Removable wall decoration kits, systems and methods

ABSTRACT

Systems and kits for decorating walls include a plurality of décor assemblies and a plurality of complementary fastening structures. The décor assemblies include a décor element and a releasable fastening structure providing first fastening elements. The complementary fastening structure includes a base, a pressure sensitive adhesive disposed on the base, and second fastening elements. The first fastening elements are releasably mateable with the second fastening elements to define a releasable fastening system. During use, a complementary fastening structure is releasably applied to a wall, and is connected to and supports one of the décor assemblies via the releasable fastening system. The releasable fastening system can comprise low profile hooks and loops, exhibiting relatively low holding power.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Non-Provisional Patent Application claims the benefit of the filingdates of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/830,367, filedJun. 3, 2013, entitled “REMOVABLE WALL DECORATION KITS, SYSTEMS ANDMETHODS”, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/948,946, filedMar. 6, 2014, entitled “REMOVABLE WALL DECORATION KITS, SYSTEMS ANDMETHODS” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/988,020,filed May 2, 2014, entitled “REMOVABLE WALL DECORATION KITS, SYSTEMS ANDMETHODS”, which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to wall décor. More particularly, itrelates to kits, systems and methods for flexibly mounting multipledecorative elements to a wall.

Conventional wall décor has a plethora of forms. For example, adwelling's wall(s) can be partially or entirely finished with paint orwallpaper. While the types, styles and end appearances of these wallfinishing techniques are nearly endless, a significant amount of timeand skill is required to prepare the wall surface and apply theparticular finish. Further, the finish is effectively permanent,requiring extensive efforts to remove or replace.

Alternatively (or in addition), various decorative articles, such asartwork, photographs, mirrors, moldings, etc., can be directly fastenedto the wall. Typically, one or more mechanical fasteners (e.g., nails,screws or hooks) are secured to the wall and used to support thearticle. While installation of a decorative article is lesstime-consuming than painting or applying wall paper, time and skill mustbe invested to ensure that the mechanical fastener is optimally locatedalong the wall surface. The mechanical fastener permanently damages thewall and cannot easily be repositioned.

More recently, adhesive-based fastening systems have been developed asan alternative to mechanical fasteners. In general terms, thesefastening systems are packaged and provided as a pair of pre-cut,adhesive-backed strips. The first strip carries a plurality of hooks (orsimilar structures), and the second strip carries a plurality ofcomplementary loops. The user must adhere a first one of the two stripsto the decorative article, and adhere the second strip to the wall. Thearticle is then supported relative to the wall via engagement betweenthe hooks and loops. A relationship of the decorative article/firststrip relative to the wall/second strip can be slightly altered bydisconnecting and then reconnecting the hooks and loops, or by a minorrotation of the decorative article/first strip relative to thewall/second strip (without separating the hooks and loops). Further,when complete removal of the decorative article from the wall isdesired, the strips can be de-bonded from the decorative article and thewall surface, respectively. Manufacturers of these adhesive-basedfastening systems strive to minimize costs while providing an endproduct that can support a wide variety (and thus sizes and weights) ofdecorative articles of possible interest to users. This balance isnormally achieved by forming the strip pairs to be relatively small (andthus less expensive) but exhibiting relatively high adhesive strengthand holding power. With relatively the small surface areas provided bythese strips, however, certain drawbacks may arise.

For example, the adhesive utilized with the strips must have a highadhesive strength so that the strips do not delaminate from thecorresponding decorative article or wall surface under the weight of thedecorative article. This requirement, in turn, requires an aggressiveadhesive. While, in theory, the adhesive is formulated to facilitatedesired removal of the strip from the wall (or the article) withoutdamaging the wall surface, in some instances the particular wall surfacewill have a relatively unique finishing that is, in fact, damaged duringremoval of the aggressive adhesive.

Along these same lines, releasable fastening technology employed by thepackaged hook-and-loop adhesive strip pairs must be constructed toaccount for the possibility that a user may attempt to hang a relativelyheavy (and/or large) object. Thus, the hook-and-loop format isconventionally selected to have as high a holding power as possible. Inthis regard, the holding power provided by a particular format isdirectly related to a size of the strips themselves. The packaged strippairs are commonly provided in a specific, relatively small size (e.g.,the first strip (hooks) is 1 inch×3 inches, and the second strip (loops)is 1.75 inches×4 inches). While existing hook-and-loop technologiesgenerate a high level of engagement with relatively small surface areastrips, a balance with the holding power of the adhesive is required.Because a user expects to be able to reposition the article relative tothe wall after initial mounting, the user must be able to easilyseparate the decorative article/first strip from the wall/second strip.If the holding power of the hook-and-loop fastening system is greaterthan that of the adhesive, a user applying a pulling force onto thedecorative article in an attempt to remove the article from the wall mayinstead cause the adhesive on one (or both) of the strips to de-bondfrom the corresponding decorative article or wall surface. Further,releasable fastening systems with elevated holding power may bedifficult for some users (e.g., children) to separate.

While packaged, adhesive-based fastening systems are highly popular andhave greatly simplified (and made more convenient) the application of adecorative article to a wall, drawbacks remain. Users are overtlylimited by the size (and corresponding performance attributes) of thestrips. Only a finite number object and wall surface types are amenableto successful mounting using the fastening strips. Further, thefastening systems are specifically designed to mount the articleessentially against the wall surface; this limitation inherently stiflesthe creativity of a user desiring to create space or depth between thearticle and the wall surface.

In light of the above, a need exists for improved wall decorationsystems and methods that facilitate rapid mounting, reposition, andremoval of a decorative article.

SUMMARY

Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a system for decoratinga wall surface. The system includes a décor assembly and a complementaryfastening structure. The décor assembly includes a décor elementopposite a releasable fastening structure. The releasable fasteningstructure provides a plurality of first fastening elements. Thecomplementary fastening structure is provided apart from the décorassembly and includes a pressure sensitive adhesive opposite a pluralityof second fastening elements. The first fastening elements arereleasably mateable with the second fastening elements to define areleasable fastening system. The system is configured such that aCleavage Strength established by the adhesive against a wall surface isgreater than a Cleavage Strength established by the releasable fasteningsystem, and an omni-directional Dynamic Shear Strength of the releasablefastening system is at least 10 lbs. The releasable fastening system cancomprise low profile hooks and loops, exhibiting relatively low holdingpower. In some embodiments, the system further includes at least onespacer assembly adapted to be interposed between the décor assembly andthe complementary fastening structures to establish depth between thedécor assembly and the wall surface. In related embodiments, the décorassembly includes a backer maintaining the décor element and a basemaintaining the releasable fastening structure, with the spacer assemblyconfigured to releasably mount with one or both of the backer and thebase.

Kits and systems of the present disclosure facilitate quick and easydecoration, and re-decoration, of a wall. The flexible décor attachmenttechniques facilitated by the releasable fastening system allows a userto simply position and re-position a plethora of different décorassemblies (each presenting a different visual appearance) along a wallsurface. Further, the optional spacer assemblies allow a user toestablish depth between the mounted décor element and the wall surface,creating a three-dimensional effect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified perspective view of a wall decorating system orkit in accordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A is a perspective, exploded view of a décor assembly inaccordance with principles of the present disclosure and useful with thesystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the décor assembly of FIG. 2A;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are front views of two décor assemblies useful with thesystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a rear plan view of a décor assembly in accordance withprinciples of the present disclosure and useful with the kit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective, exploded view of a portion of another décorassembly in accordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6A is a top plan view of a backer board component of the décorassembly of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6B is a side view of the backer board of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the backer board ofFIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is rear perspective view of a base component of the décorassembly of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7B is rear plan view of the base of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of the base of FIG. 7B taken along theline 7C-7C;

FIG. 8A is a side view illustrating construction of the décor assemblyof FIG. 5;

FIG. 8B is a side view of the completed décor assembly of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8C is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the décorassembly of FIG. 8B taken along the line 8C-8C;

FIG. 8D is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of a portion of anotherdécor assembly akin to FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a perspective, exploded view of a portion of another décorassembly in accordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10A is a front plan view of a backer board component of the décorassembly of FIG. 9;

FIG. 10B is a rear plan view of the backer board of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view of the backer board of FIG. 10A takenalong the line 10C-10C;

FIG. 10D is a cross-sectional view of the backer board of FIG. 10A takenalong the line 10D-10D;

FIG. 11A is a front plan view of a base component of the décor assemblyof FIG. 9;

FIG. 11B is a rear plan view of the base of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view of the base of FIG. 11A taken alongthe line 11C-11C;

FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate mounting of the backer board of FIG. 10A to thebase of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 13 is a front plan view of a portion of the décor assembly of FIG.9 and illustrates self-alignment of the backer board relative to thebase;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the décor assembly of FIG. 9mounted to a wall surface;

FIG. 15A is a front exploded perspective view of another décor assemblyin accordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15B is a rear exploded perspective view of the décor assembly ofFIG. 15A;

FIG. 16A is a perspective, cross-sectional view of the décor assembly ofFIG. 15A upon final construction;

FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of the décor assembly of FIG. 15Amounted to a wall surface;

FIG. 17A is an exploded perspective view of another décor assembly inaccordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional view of the décor assembly of FIG. 17Amounted to a wall surface;

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of another décor assembly inaccordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 19A and 19B are cross-sectional views illustrating the décorassembly of FIG. 18 upon final construction;

FIG. 20 is a rear exploded perspective view of a décor element usefulwith the décor assemblies of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a rear plan view of a backing of the décor element of FIG. 20

FIG. 22 is a rear plan view of a cover of the décor element of FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is a rear plan view illustrating the décor element of FIG. 20upon final assembly;

FIG. 24A is a simplified plan view of a spacer assembly useful with thekit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 24B is a cross-sectional view illustrating use of the spacerassembly of FIG. 24A in mounting a décor assembly to a wall surface;

FIG. 25A is a front exploded perspective view of another décor assemblyin accordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 25B is a rear exploded perspective view of the décor assembly ofFIG. 25A;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a spacer sub-assembly useful withthe décor assembly of FIG. 25A;

FIGS. 27A-27C are cross-sectional views of different arrangements of thedécor assembly of FIG. 25A mounted to a wall surface;

FIG. 28A is a front exploded perspective view of another décor assemblyin accordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 28B is a rear exploded perspective view of the décor assembly ofFIG. 28A;

FIG. 29 is an enlarged cross-section view of a portion of a fasteningstructure including fastening elements useful with wall decorating kitsand systems of the present disclosure;

FIG. 30 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of anotherfastening structure including fastening elements releasably mateablewith the fastening elements of FIG. 29 and useful with wall decoratingkits and systems of the present disclosure;

FIG. 31 is a simplified end view of a complementary fastening structureuseful with the kit of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 32A-32F illustrate installation of a décor assembly of FIG. 1 to awall surface using a complementary fastening structure in accordancewith principles of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 33A-33D illustrate installation of the décor assembly of FIG. 5;

FIG. 34A is a side view of a test plate configuration used in a cleavagestrength test;

FIG. 34B is an end view of the test plate configuration of FIG. 34A;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of an alignment clip useful with thepresent disclosure;

FIGS. 36A-36C illustrate use of the alignment clip of FIG. 35;

FIG. 37A is a front exploded perspective view of another décor assemblyin accordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 37B is a rear exploded perspective view of the décor assembly ofFIG. 37A;

FIGS. 38A and 38B are simplified side views illustrating a décor fixturecomponent of the décor assembly of FIG. 37A in combination with acharging dock;

FIGS. 39A-39C illustrate a table light system in accordance withprinciples of the present disclosure and including a décor fixturecomponent of the décor assembly of FIG. 37A;

FIGS. 40A-40C illustrate a floor light system in accordance withprinciples of the present disclosure and including a décor fixturecomponent of the décor assembly of FIG. 37A; and

FIG. 41 is a simplified perspective view of a portion of a roomdecorated with assemblies and systems of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to wall decorating systems thatcan optionally be provided in kit form, along with methods of using thesystems and kits. One embodiment of a kit 30 for decorating a wall isshown in FIG. 1, and includes a plurality of décor assemblies 32 (therear side of one of which is shown in FIG. 1). The décor assemblies 32each carry one component of a two-part releasable fastening system 34(referenced generally), with the kit 30 further including a plurality ofcomplementary fastening structures 36 that each carry the secondcomponent of the releasable fastening system 34. One or more spacerassemblies 38 are optionally included with the kit 30, along withpackaging (not shown) maintaining the components 32-38 and an optionalinstructions for use (not shown). Systems of the present disclosure canbe considered to include at least one of the décor assemblies 32, atleast one complementary fastening structures 36, and optionally at leastone of the spacer assemblies 38. Details on the various components areprovided below. In general terms, however, the décor assemblies 32 areprovided apart from the complementary fastening structures 36 within thepackaging. A user seeking to decorate a wall (not shown) can apply one(or more) of the complementary fastening structures 36 to the wallsurface, and then removably secures a desired one of the décorassemblies 32 to the so-applied complementary fastening structure 36.Where provided, a selected one of the spacer assemblies 38 is optionallyinterposed between the décor assembly 32 and the complementary fasteningstructure 36 and/or is within a structure of the décor assembly 32 asdescribed below (e.g., in some embodiments, the spacer assembly 38 canbe considered a component or sub-component of the décor assembly 32).Regardless, the releasable fastening system 34 facilitates easy,flexible or repositionable attachment between the décor assembly 32 andthe wall surface, as well as replacing one décor assembly 32 withanother décor assembly 32 having a different visual appearance.

Décor Assembly 32

The décor assembly 32 can assume a wide variety forms and in someembodiments generally includes a décor element 50, a panel or panelassembly 52 (drawn generally), and a releasable fastening structure 54as reflected in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The décor element 50 is mounted to thepanel 52, as is the releasable fastening structure 54. In this regard,the releasable fastening structure 54 provides fastening elementsconfigured to releasably mate with corresponding fastening elements ofthe complementary fastening structures 36 (FIG. 1) and thus forms partof the releasable fastening system 34 (FIG. 1) as described below.

The décor element 50 can be formed apart from and applied to the panelor panel assembly 52, or can be integrally formed on or by the panel 52.The décor element 50 can be permanently carried by the panel 52, or canbe releasably mounted to the panel 52 (e.g., a pressure sensitiveadhesive is employed such that the décor element 50 can be re-positionedrelative to the panel 52). In some embodiments, the décor element 50 hasa size and shape commensurate with that of the corresponding panel 52.In yet other embodiments, the décor element 50 can be slightly largerthan the corresponding panel 52 and is configured to wrap around sidesof the panel 52 for attachment thereto. Regardless, the décor element 50provides a visually decorative effective. Examples of possibledecorative effects are limitless. For example, the decorative effect ofthe décor element 50 can be a two-dimensional presentation of: afanciful graphic; a representation (photograph or artistic rendition) ofan object, person, place, animal, or combinations thereof; imaginaryobjects or characters (e.g., cartoon character); origami; faux surfaces(e.g., a wood grain appearance); etc. Alternatively or in addition, thedécor element 50 can include differing surfaces, such as a texture orsimilar attribute generating a three-dimensional visual effect, such aswith woven fabrics or ribbons. In yet other embodiments, the décorelement 50 can be or can include a chalk board and/or a white board.Thus, the décor element 50 can be, or can create the visual effect of athree-dimensional object such as a sculpture.

In some embodiments, the decorative effect of two or more of the décorassemblies 32 provided with the kit 30 (FIG. 1) can have a similartheme, but differ at least slightly. For example, FIGS. 3A and 3Billustrate non-limiting possibilities of first and second décor elements50 a, 50 b provided with wall decorating kits and systems of the presentdisclosure. The décor elements 50 a, 50 b each embody a fancifuldecorative effect of similar lines, shapes and colors; however, thespecific arrangement of lines (and/or colors) of the first décor element50 a differs from that of the second décor element 50 b. With thisconfiguration, a user of the kit 30 has the option of selecting the mostdesirable one of the décor assemblies 50 a, 50 b, or can locate both ofthe corresponding décor assemblies 32 in close proximity to one anotherwith the décor elements 50 a, 50 b arranged as desired to create acombined visual effect. In other embodiments, the décor assemblies 32provided with the kit 30 can have identical décor elements 50 (and thusidentical decorative effects) such that when placed side-by-side, acontinuous, uninterrupted visual effect is generated.

It will be understood that the decorative effects described above arebut a few envisioned by the present disclosure. Virtually any visualeffect can be embodied into the décor element 50. In yet otherembodiments, the décor element 50 is configured to provide acousticcontrol; with these and other, similar embodiments, the décor element 50need not necessarily create a discernible or marked visual effect.

In some embodiments, the décor element 50 is generated by themanufacturer of the wall decorating system and provided to the end userin final form. In other embodiments, wall decoration systems of thepresent disclosure are configured such that an end user can create adesired décor element 50. With these embodiments, a user can generate adesired picture (e.g., photograph) or design in a desired form (e.g.,paper, fabric, etc.) and utilizes the so-generated picture or design as,or as part of, the décor element 50 (e.g., applying the photograph orother image to the panel 52). In other words, with some wall decoratingsystems of the present disclosure, the user is provided with one morepanels or panel assemblies 52 that are configured to receive auser-generated décor element 50 (examples of which are provided below),typically printed on paper or photographic-type paper. The so-configuredpanel 52 can provide slots for receiving the user-generated décorelement 50 and/or provide other features (e.g., wood strips that allow auser to staple the user-generated décor element 50 to the panel 52,clips, etc.). In other related embodiments, the user can electronicallyprovide (e.g., email, website download, etc.) the manufacturer of thewall decorating system 30 with one or more desired decoration subjectmatter, with the manufacturing then creating the décor element 50 basedupon the provided subject matter. For example, the user can provide themanufacturer with one or more digital photographs or other design indigital format. The manufacturer reviews the submitted subject matter,and reformats (e.g., crops or otherwise adjusts) to correspond with sizeand other parameters of the panel 52, and delivers to the user anappropriately formatted décor element 50 for implementation by the useras s/he sees fit (e.g., the user can secure the décor element 50 to oneof the panels 52). In yet other embodiments, the manufacturer providesthe user with a completed décor assembly 32, utilizing the user-providedsubject matter as the basis for the décor element 50. Along these samelines, the manufacture and/or end-user can manipulate thedigitally-stored subject matter of interest in a variety of manners,including dividing the subject matter into two or more sections, witheach section serving as one of the décor elements 50.

Returning to FIGS. 2A and 2B, in some embodiments the panel or panelassembly 52 is a lightweight structure defining opposing, first andsecond major faces 60, 62. The lightweight nature of the panel 52 can becharacterized in terms of material density. In some embodiments, adensity of the panel 52 material is less than 5 g/cm³, alternativelyless than 3 g/cm³, alternatively on the order of 1 g/cm³. In someembodiments, the panel 52 is optionally relatively thin, for example athickness on the order of 0.120 inch. One or both of the major faces 60,62 can be substantially flat or planar (e.g., within 10% of a truly flatsurface), and in some embodiments in which the panel 52 is a singular,homogenous structure, the panel 52 is relatively rigid characterized bythe panel 52 not bending in response to expected user-applied forcesduring use. For example, it is contemplated that in some embodiments, acleavage force on the order of 6 lbs/inch width or less will be appliedby a user to the panel 52 to effectuate disengagement of the releasablefastening system 34; the panel 52 is sufficiently rigid so as to notpermanently deform under the applied force conditions. The lightweight,rigid construction of the panel 52 uniquely provides sufficient supportfor the décor element 50 and reduces the holding forces required of thereleasable fastening system 34 (FIG. 1). That is to say, because a largemajority of a mass of the décor assembly 32 is attributable to the panel52 and because the panel 52 is lightweight, a lesser degree of holdingpower can be designed into the releasable fastening system 34 than isotherwise associated with conventional, packaged hook-and-loop fastenerstrips.

In some embodiments, the panel 52 is a singular, homogeneous bodyprovided as a substrate or laminate that forms the first and secondmajor faces 60, 62 as continuous surfaces. For example, the panel 52 canbe formed from various materials, such as micro-flute corrugated board,corrugated board, foam core or similar foam board, paper board, moldedfiber board, wood, corrugated plastic board, polymer foam or materialsof a similar nature or similar characteristics, and combinations thereofare acceptable. With embodiments in which the panel 52 forms at leastthe first major face 60 as a continuous surface, the décor element 50can be optionally be formed directly on or by the panel 52 (e.g., adesired graphic can be printed directly on to the first major face 60).In other embodiments, the décor element 50 can be separately formed andsubsequently applied (e.g., adhesively bonded) to the first major face60. In other embodiments, the panel 52 can form one or both of the majorfaces 60, 62 as discontinuous surfaces (e.g., the panel 52 can have ahoneycomb format).

Returning to FIGS. 2A and 2B, regardless of the exact format, each ofthe décor assemblies 32 provided with the kit 30 (FIG. 1) can have anidentically formatted panel or panel assembly 52, including, in someembodiments, an identical shape and/or size. For example, in someembodiments, a perimeter of the panel 52 of each of the décor assemblies32 (and/or of the décor element 50 carried or formed thereby) defines aparallelogram (square, rectangle, etc.), and has a length and a width of16 inches or less. In some embodiments, each of the panels 52 is 12inches by 12 inches in size. Alternatively, other shapes and maximumdimensions are also envisioned. In yet other embodiments, the panels 52of two (or more) of the décor assemblies 32 provided with the kit 30 candiffer from one another in terms of at least shape and/or shape.

Features of the releasable fastening structure 54 are described ingreater detail below in conjunction with the releasable fastening system34. Relative to a construction of the décor assemblies 32, thereleasable fastening structure 54 is optionally permanently secured tothe second major face 62 of the panel or panel assembly 52, for exampleadhesively bonded to the panel 52 by a permanent adhesive. Othertechniques for permanently attaching the releasable fastening structure54 to the second major face 62 are also acceptable, for example heatfusion, stitching, etc. As provided to a user, then, with the walldecorating kits and systems of the present disclosure, the firstcomponent of the two-part releasable fastening system 34 is optionallypre-assembled (and permanently assembled) to the décor element 50 aspart of the décor assembly 32. In yet other embodiments, the releasablefastening structure 54 is removably connected (e.g., pressure sensitiveadhesive) to the panel or panel assembly 52. As reflected in FIG. 4,regardless of an exact format, the releasable fastening structure 54optionally encompasses a substantial portion of the surface area of thesecond major face 62. For example, in some embodiments, the releasablefastening structure 54 is sized and shaped to encompass or cover atleast 20% of the second major face 62 (e.g., the second major face 62can have outer dimension of 12 inches by 12 inches or an availablesurface area of 144 in², and the releasable fastening structure coversat least 20% of the available surface area (e.g., at least 28.8 in²)).In other embodiments, the releasable fastening structure 54 is sized andshaped to encompass at least a majority (e.g., more than 50%) of thesecond major face 62, alternatively at least 60%, and in otherembodiments at least 75%. In yet other embodiments, the releasablefastening structure 54 encompasses an entirety, or nearly an entirety(e.g., at least 95%), of the available surface area of the second majorface 62. With these and similar constructions, a substantial surfacearea of the releasable fastening structure 54 is available for mountingthe décor assembly 32 as described below, in contrast to conventional,packaged adhesive-backed removable fastening systems in which only smallstrip of material is available.

While the panel or panel assembly 52 has been described as being asingular body, in other embodiments, two (or more) components or bodiescan be employed. For example, FIG. 5 illustrates portions of anotherembodiment décor assembly 32B in accordance with principles of thepresent disclosure, and includes the décor element 50 (not shown, butakin to the décor element 50 of FIG. 2A), a backer board or backer 76, abase 78, and optional connector assemblies (hidden in FIG. 5, butdescribed in greater detail below). The backer 76 and the base 78 are,in combination, analogous to the panels 52 (FIG. 2A) described above,with the décor element 50 applied to the backer 76, and the releasablefastening structure 54 (hidden in FIG. 5 but shown, for example, inFIG. 1) carried by the base 78. With the embodiment of FIG. 5, however,the backer 76 (and thus the décor element 50 carried by the backer 76)is removably mounted to the base 78, and the base 78, in turn, isremovably mounted to a wall surface (via the releasable fasteningstructure 54). With this construction, the base 78 can establish a“known” landing zone along the wall surface for more consistentreplacement of different backers 76 (with differing décor elements 50).

The backer 76 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 6A-6C, and defines afront face 80 opposite a rear face 82. One or more feet 84 are formed inthe backer 76 as projections from a plane of the rear face 82. Forexample, the backer 76 can have a relatively uniform wall thickness,with each of the feet 84 being defined as a depression in the front face80 and a corresponding projection at the rear face 82. Regardless, thefaces 80, 82 are substantially planar (e.g., within 10% of a trulyplanar or flat surface) apart from the feet 84. In some embodiments,four of the feet 84 are provided, with respective ones of the feet 84being located proximate a corresponding corner of the backer 76. Othernumbers of the feet 84 and/or other locations are also acceptable.Regardless, the front face 80 is configured to receive the décor element50 (FIG. 2A) (e.g., permanent adhesive bonding, mechanical fastening,etc.), whereas the feet 84 facilitate releasable engagement with thebase 78 (FIG. 5) as described below. The backer 76 can be formed ofvarious materials, and in some embodiments is a molded plastic.

The base 78 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 7A-7C, and definesopposing front and rear sides 86, 88. A central region 90 along the rearside 88 is formatted to receive the releasable fastening structure 54(not shown), such as by an adhesive or other bonding technique. In someembodiments, the base 78 has a relatively uniform wall thickness, withthe central region 90 being defined as a depression or recess in thefront side 86 and a corresponding projection at the rear side 88. Aplatform region 92 circumscribes the central region 90, and represents araised surface of the base 78 (in a direction of the front side 86).That is to say, the platform region 92 is raised relative to the centralregion 90, whereas the central region 90 is recessed relative to theplatform region 92. Regardless, the platform region 92 defines a leadingor front major plane of the base 78 and is configured to receive thebacker 76 (FIG. 5), and in particular the rear face 82 (FIG. 6B) asdescribed below. With this in mind, one or more cavities 94 are formedin the platform region 92, each configured to receive a correspondingone of the backer feet 84 (FIG. 6C). Thus, the cavities 94 correspond insize, shape, number, and location with the feet 84. As reflected best inFIG. 7C, the cavities 94 can be formed as depressions from the majorplane of the platform region 92 in a direction of the rear side 88, butdo not necessarily extend to a plane of the central region 90.

In some embodiments, the base 78 optionally forms a perimeter wall 95that is spaced from the platform region 92 by a channel 96. Thisconfiguration can enhance an overall rigidity of the base 78.Alternatively, the platform region 92 can be continuous or planar to theperimeter edge of the base 78. The base 78 can be formed of variousmaterials, and in some embodiments is a molded plastic.

As mentioned above, the backer 76 and the base 78 are configured to bereleasably mounted to one another. In this regard, and with additionalreference to FIGS. 8A-8C, the backer 76 is directed into a centeredrelationship relative to the base 78 by locating ones of the feet 84within corresponding ones of the cavities 94. When the décor assembly32B is arranged in an upright orientation, each of the feet 84/cavity 94interfaces provides shear support to the final assembly. Furtherengagement is promoted by optional fasteners provided at the feet84/cavity 94 interface. For example, FIG. 8C schematically illustrates aconnector assembly 98 more robustly connecting the foot 84 to the base78 within the cavity 94. The connector assembly 98 can assume a varietyof forms. For example, the connector assembly 98 can be hook-and-loopfasteners, with a patch of hook (or loop) fasteners applied to the feet84 at the rear face 82 thereof, and a patch of complementary loop (orhook) fasteners applied within the cavity 94 at the front side 86thereof. Other connector assembly formats are also acceptable, such asan adhesive (e.g., pressure sensitive adhesive) on one or both of thefeet 84 and the cavity 94. In other embodiments, the connector assembly98 is magnet-based. One or more magnets or complementary magneticstructures can be located in various manners relative to the backer 76and the base 78. For example, FIG. 8D illustrates one embodiment inwhich the connector assembly 98 includes a first magnet 99 a attached tothe foot 84 of the backer 76, and a second magnet 99 b attached to thebase 78 within the cavity 94. The first and second magnets 99 a, 99 bare arranged in a complementary fashion such that the second magnet 99 bof the base 78 magnetically attracts the first magnet 99 a (andvice-versa), thus self-driving the foot 84 within the cavity 94 andmagnetically retaining the connected arrangement. Alternatively, themagnets 99 a, 99 b can be located at the front face 80 of the backer 76and/or the rear side 88 of the base 78 where a lessened magneticcoupling is desired. In related embodiments, one of the magnets 99 a, 99b can instead be a metal body (e.g., a steel plate) that is notnecessarily magnetized, but is still magnetically attracted to the othermagnet. Regardless, the magnetic-based constructions of the connectorassembly 98 beneficially promote quick, centered engagement of thebacker 76 with the base 78.

Another, related embodiment décor assembly 32C in accordance withprinciples of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 9 and includes abacker board or backer 100, a base 102, an optional connector assembly(hidden in FIG. 9), and the décor element 50 (shown generally). Thebacker 100 and the base 102 are, in combination, analogous to someembodiments of the panel 52 (FIG. 2A) described above, with the décorelement 50 applied to the backer 100 and the releasable fasteningstructure 54 (hidden in FIG. 9 but shown, for example, in FIG. 1)carried by the base 102. With the embodiment of FIG. 9, the backer 100(and thus the décor element 50 carried by the backer 100) is removablymountable to the base 102, and the base 102 is removably mountable to awall surface (via the releasable fastening structure 54). With thisconstruction, the base 102 can establish a “known” landing zone alongthe wall surface for more consistent replacement of different backers100 (each potentially carrying a different décor element 50).

The backer 100 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 10A-10C, and definesa front face 110 (FIG. 10A) opposite a rear face 112 (FIG. 10B). In someembodiments, the backer 100 can be bowl-like, and includes or defines aframe 114 and a flange 116. The frame 114 includes a bottom wall 118 andside walls 120 a-120 d (referenced generally in FIGS. 10B and 10C, andtwo of which are visible and identified in FIG. 9). The bottom wall 118defines the rear face 112 of the backer 100. The side walls 120 a-120 dextend from the bottom wall 118, with the flange 116 projectinglaterally outwardly from the side walls 120 a-120 d opposite the bottomwall 118 at the front face 110.

The backer 100 further forms or includes a post 122 as best seen inFIGS. 10A and 10C. The post 122 is defined as a projection from thebottom wall 118 in a direction of the front face 110, and forms apassage 124 that is optionally sized and shaped to receive and maintainan optional magnet 126. In some embodiments, the post 122 is openrelative to the front face 110 to facilitate insertion and mounting ofthe magnet 126. Conversely, the post 122 can be closed relative to therear face 112. For example, the post 122 can terminate at a platform128. As best reflected in FIGS. 10B and 10C, a cavity 130 is formed inthe rear face 112 opposite the post 122 for reasons made clear below.The cavity 130 is longitudinally aligned with the magnet 126, and isdefined as a recess in the rear face 112 that extends to the platform128. A perimeter 132 (FIG. 10B) of the cavity 130 is sized and shaped toreceive a feature provided with the base 102 (FIG. 9), and in someembodiments has the square shape as shown.

The backer 100 is configured to receive and maintain the décor element50 (FIG. 9) (e.g., permanent adhesive bonding, mechanical fastening,etc.) at the front face 110, with an enlarged surface area for mountingof the décor element 50 being provided along the flange 116. The flange116 can define the front face 110 to be substantially planar. As bestreflected in the view of FIG. 9, a footprint of the flange 116 is lessthan that of the décor element 50 in some embodiments. Alternatively, afootprint of the backer 100 can more closely approximate an expectedsize of the décor element 50.

As best shown in the view of FIG. 10B, the frame 114 can have a squareshape as reflected, for example, by four, identically sized side edges134 a-134 d of the bottom wall 118. The side edges 134 a-134 d intersectat corners 136 a-136 d, with the corners 136 a-136 d optionally beingrounded as shown in some embodiments. The side walls 120 a-120 d eachproject from a respective one of the side edges 134 a-134 d in acorresponding manner, thereby maintaining a square shape for the frame114. As further illustrated in FIG. 10D, the side walls 120 a-120 d canform a smooth curve in extension from the bottom wall 118, and can beangled transversely outwardly to the front face 110. Stated otherwise,the side walls 120 a-120 d can be arranged such that a size of the frame114 tapers from the front face 110 to the bottom wall 118. Returning toFIGS. 10A-10D, the post 122 and the cavity 130 are centrally locatedrelative to the square shape of the bottom wall 118.

The backer 100 can incorporate additional, optional features in someembodiments. For example, interior walls 138 can extend between opposingpairs of the side walls 120 a, 120 c and 120 b, 120 d to reinforce thebacker 100. In other constructions, the interior walls 138 can beomitted and/or the backer 100 can have a more solid construction fromthe front face 110 to the rear face 112. The backer 100 can be formed ofvarious materials, and in some embodiments is molded plastic.

The base 102 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 11A-11C, and defines afront side 140 (FIG. 11A) opposite a rear side 142 (FIG. 11B). A centralmounting region 144 is formatted to receive the releasable fasteningstructure 54 (not shown) along the rear side 142, such as by an adhesiveor other bonding technique. In some embodiments, the base 102 has arelatively uniform wall thickness, with the mounting region 144 beingdefined as a depression or recess relative to the front side 140 and acorresponding projection relative to the rear side 142.

As best shown in FIG. 11A, the mounting region 144 has a square-shapedperimeter, with a size and shape of the mounting region 144corresponding with the size and shape of the backer frame 114 (FIG.10B). For example, a depth and shape of the mounting region 144 isgenerated by a bottom panel 146 and side panels 148 a-148 d. The bottompanel 146 corresponds with the backer bottom wall 118 (FIG. 10B), andthe side panels 148 a-148 d generally correspond with the backer boardside walls 120 a-120 d (FIG. 10B). More particularly, a lateral lengthof the side panels 148 a-148 d corresponds with that of the side walls120 a-120 d, but the side panels 148 a-148 d optionally have a shorterlongitudinal depth as compared to the side walls 120 a-120 d for reasonsmade clear below. The side panels 148 a-148 d intersect at roundedcorners 150 a-150 d. Thus, the mounting region 144 is configured toreceive the backer frame 114 in a nested relationship. Further, the base102 forms a foot 152 centrally within the mounting region 144 that issized and shaped (e.g., square shaped) in accordance with the backercavity 130 (FIG. 10A). As best shown in FIG. 11C, the foot 152 is formedas a projection in a direction of the front side 140, and defines areceptacle 154 optionally configured to maintain an optional magnet 156.The receptacle 154 can be closed relative to the front side 140.Mounting of the magnet 156 within the receptacle 154 is described ingreater detail below.

A partition region 158 circumscribes the mounting region 144, andrepresents an intermediate surface of the base 102 (between the frontside 140 and the rear side 142). That is to say, the partition region158 is raised relative to the mounting region 144, whereas the mountingregion 144 is recessed relative to the partition region 158.

In some embodiments, the base 102 further includes or defines an outerperimeter wall 160 that terminates at a lip 162. As described in greaterdetail below, a height or location of the outer perimeter wall 160, andthus a spatial location of the lip 162, relative to the bottom panel 146corresponds with a geometry of the backer 100 (FIG. 9). Moreparticularly, the bottom panel 146 is recessed in a direction of therear side 142 relative to the lip 162 by a distance that will align thelip 162 with the décor element 50 (FIG. 9) upon final assembly of thedécor element 50 to the backer board 100.

The base 102 can optionally include one or more additional features. Forexample, the base 102 can form a pocket 164 sized and shaped to retain abubble level indicator 166. The base 102 can be formed of variousmaterials, and in some embodiments is molded plastic.

As mentioned above, the backer 100 and the base 102 are configured to bereleasably mounted to one another. In this regard, and with initialreference to FIG. 12A, the backer 100 is self-directed into a centeredrelationship relative to the base 102 by generally locating the cavity130 in close proximity to the foot 152, and the bottom wall 118 ingeneral alignment with the mounting region 144. When placed inrelatively close proximity to one another, the magnets 126, 156 aremagnetically attracted to one another, drawing the frame 114 into themounting region 144, including the cavity 130 being received over thefoot 152. In this regard, and as represented by a comparison of FIG. 12Bwith FIG. 12C, the complementary square shape of the frame 114 and themounting region 144 effectuates a self-alignment of the backer 100relative to the base 102, with the magnetic attraction between themagnets 126, 156 causing the curved portion of side walls 120 a-120 d(two of which are visible in FIGS. 12B and 12C) to slide along acorresponding one of the side panels 148 a-148 d (two of which arevisible in FIGS. 12B and 12C) and into the mounting region 144. Uponcomplete insertion, the backer side walls 120 a-120 d nest against thebase side panels 148 a-148 d, respectively. The curved cornersassociated with the frame 114 and the mounting region 144 promote easeof alignment and complete insertion. Assembled magnetic engagementbetween the backer 100 and the base 102 via the magnets 126, 156 isreflected by FIG. 12C. In other embodiments, the magnets 126, 156 can bereplaced with other formatted connector assemblies, as described above.

The corresponding, symmetrical shapes of the backer frame 114 and themounting region 144 further self-corrects for any rotational off-set ofthe backer 100 relative to the base 102. For example, FIG. 13illustrates the backer bottom wall 118 rotationally skewed or off-setrelative to the mounting region 144 (e.g., the side edges 134 a-134 d ofthe bottom wall 118 are not aligned with the side panels 148 a-148 d ofthe mounting region 144). However, the magnetic force (described above)attracting the bottom wall 118 toward the bottom panel 146 is sufficientto cause the side edges 134 a-134 d to ride along side panels 148 a-148d, self-aligning the bottom wall 118 with the mounting region 144 anddrawing the frame 114 (FIG. 10C) into complete nested engagement withinthe mounting region 144.

FIG. 14 illustrates mounting of the décor assembly 32C to a wall surface170 via the releasable fastening structure 54 (and the complementaryfastening structure 36). As a point of reference, FIG. 14 illustratesthat the magnet 156 can be assembled to and captured within thereceptacle 154 by the releasable fastening structure 54 in someembodiments.

Where desired, the backer 100/décor element 50 can be removed by simplyapplying a pulling force onto one or more edges of the décor element 50sufficient to overcome the magnet attraction between the magnets 126,156. Notably, the force required to separate the magnets 126, 156 isless than the force otherwise necessary to disengage the releasablefastening structure 54 from the complementary fastening structure 36(and thus from the wall surface 170) as described below. Thus, removingor replacing the backer 100/décor element 50 does not require removal ofthe base 102 from a desired location along the wall surface 170. A newcombination backer 100/décor element 50 can then be assembled to thebase 102 (that otherwise remains attached to the wall surface 170). Inthis regard, the new backer 100/décor element 50 will automaticallyself-align relative to the base 102 as described above. Thus, themagnetic-based constructions of the décor assembly 32C beneficiallypromote quick, centered engagement of the backer 100 with the base 102.

Another embodiment décor assembly 32D in accordance with principles ofthe present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B. The décor assembly32D includes a backer or backer board 200, a mounting pod or base 202,the décor element 50 (drawn generally), and the releasable fasteningstructure 54 (omitted from the view of FIG. 15B but shown, for example,in FIG. 1). The backer 200 and the mounting pod 202 combine to definethe panel or panel assembly of other embodiments described above. Thebacker 200 is akin to the backer 100 (FIG. 9) described above, and themounting pod 202 is akin to the base 102 (FIG. 9). Thus, the backer 200is generally configured to maintain the décor element 50 and isremovably mountable to the mounting pod 202; the mounting pod 202, inturn, is removably mountable to a wall surface (via the releasablefastening structure 54 carried by the mounting pod 202). With the décorassembly 32D, however, the mounting pod 202 is of a reduced size (ascompared to a size of the base 102), affording more design freedom withrespect to the types and formats of structures removably mounted to themounting pod 202 as described below.

The backer 200 can include or define a panel 210, a central portion 212,and a rim 214. The panel 210 can be a substantially rigid, substantiallyplanar body and defines a mounting face 216 (visible in FIG. 15A). Themounting face 216 can be substantially flat for receiving décor element50 (e.g., adhesive, mechanical fastening, etc.). As reflected in theviews, a footprint of the mounting face 216 approximates an expectedsize and shape of the décor element 50. Alternatively, the mounting face216 can be larger or smaller than an expected sized and shape of thedécor element 50. In some embodiments, apertures 218 can optionally beformed through a thickness of the panel 210 to reduce an overall weightand material cost of the backer 200.

The central portion 212 is integrally formed with the panel 210, and canbe highly akin to the backer 100 (FIGS. 10A-10C) described above. Any ofthe descriptions above with respect to the backer board 100 applyequally to the central portion 212. In general terms, the centralportion 212 includes four side walls 220 a-220 d projecting rearwardlyfrom a plane of the panel 210 and terminate at a bottom wall 222opposite the panel 210. The bottom wall 222 can have the square shape asshown, with the side walls 220 a-220 d angled transversely outwardly inextension from the bottom wall 222 to the panel 210.

The central portion 212 further forms or includes a post 224 as bestseen in FIG. 15A. The post 224 is defined as a projection from thebottom wall 222 in a direction of the panel 210, and forms a passage 226that is sized and shaped to receive and maintain a magnet (not shown).As best shown in FIG. 15B, a cavity 228 is formed in the bottom wall 222opposite the post 224. The cavity 228 is aligned with the post 224.

The rim 214 circumscribes the panel 210, projecting rearwardly from aperimeter of the panel 210. The rim 214 can have curved or angledcorners. An open region 860 (referenced generally in FIG. 15B) isdefined between the rim 214 and the central portion 212 “behind” thepanel 210. As described in greater detail below, the open region 230 isavailable for placement of other components (e.g., lighting) optionallyprovided with the décor assembly 32D.

The mounting pod 202 can be highly akin to the mounting region 144(FIGS. 11A-11C) of the base 102 (FIGS. 11A-11C) described above. Any ofthe descriptions above with respect to the mounting region 144 applyequally to the mounting pod 202. In general terms, the mounting pod 202has a size and shape corresponding with that of the backer centralportion 212 (e.g., square-shaped perimeter). A depth and shape of themounting pod 202 is generated by a bottom panel 232 and side panels 234a-234 b. The bottom panel 252 corresponds with the backer bottom wall222, and the side panels 234 a-234 d generally correspond with thebacker side walls 220 a-220 d. Thus, the mounting pod 202 is configuredto receive the backer central portion 212. Further, the mounting pod 202forms a foot 236 as a centrally-located forward projection from thebottom panel 232. The foot 236 is sized and shaped (e.g., square shaped)in accordance with the backer cavity 228. As best seen in FIG. 15B, thefoot 236 defines a receptacle 238 optionally configured to maintain anoptional magnet (not shown). The receptacle 238 can be closed relative afront side 240 (FIG. 15A) of the foot 236.

As mentioned above, the backer 200 and the mounting pod 202 areconfigured to be releasably mounted to one another. For example, FIG.16A reflects the backer 200 coupled to the mounting pod 202 (as well asthe décor element 50 mounted to the backer 200). The backer centralportion 212 is nested within the mounting pod 202, including the bottomwall 222 abutting the bottom panel 232. Though not shown in FIG. 16A,the mounting pod foot 236 (FIG. 15A) is received within the backer postcavity 2238 (FIG. 15B), with the complementary magnets (not shown)achieving magnetic attachment between the backer 200 and the mountingpod 202, commensurate with the above descriptions of the décor assembly32C (FIGS. 12A-12C). Other connector assembly formats described abovecan replace the complementary magnets in other embodiments.

FIG. 16B illustrates mounting of the décor assembly to the wall surface170 via the releasable fastening structure 54 and the complementaryfastening structure 36. The backer 200/décor element 50 can be removedfrom the mounting pod 202 by simply applying a pulling force onto one ormore edges of the backer 200 sufficient to overcome the magnetattraction between the magnets (not shown) provided with the backer 200and the mounting pod 202. Once again, the force required to separate themagnets is less than the force otherwise necessary to disengage thereleasable fastening structure 54 from the complementary fasteningstructure 36 (and thus from the wall surface 170 as described below).Thus, removing or replacing the backer 200/décor element 50 does notrequire removal of the mounting pod 202 from a desired location alongthe wall surface 170. Further, because the mounting pod 202 has arelatively small footprint (as compared to that of the backer 200), asignificant portion of the open region 230 is available for receivingand maintaining optional auxiliary items, such as lighting, speakers,other electrical components, etc.

Another embodiment décor assembly 32E is shown in FIG. 17A, and is akinto the décor assembly 32D described above. The décor assembly 32Eincludes a décor element 280, a backer or backer board 282, the mountingpod or base 202, and the releasable fastening structure 54 (hidden inthe view of FIG. 17A but shown, for example, in FIG. 1). As withprevious embodiments, the décor element 280 is attached to the backer282 (e.g., permanently or removably attached). The backer 282 and themounting pod 202 included complementary features (e.g., magnets) thatpromote selective coupling of the backer 282 to the mounting pod 202,with the mounting pod 202, in turn, being removably mountable to a wallsurface (via the releasable fastening structure 54 carried by themounting pod 202).

The décor element 280 can assume a wide variety of forms having variousvisual appearances. With the embodiment of FIG. 17A, the décor element280 is shaped to provide depth or exhibit a three dimensional appearanceattribute. For example, the décor element 280 has front face 284 inwhich various depressions can be formed. Further, a rim 286circumscribes, and projects rearwardly from, the front face 284. The rim286 can include one or more features (not shown) that facilitatemounting to the backer 282 as described below.

The backer 282 can be akin to the backer 202 (FIGS. 15A and 15B)described above, and includes a panel 290 and a central portion 292. Thepanel 290 is configured to receive and support the décor element 280,for example by defining a perimeter edge 294 having a complementaryshape and size with that of the rim 286. Further, the edge 294 canincorporate or form one or more complementary coupling features (e.g.,the edge 294 can form a lip (not shown) configured to be frictionallyreceived within a slot (not shown) formed along the rim 286). Any othermounting technique, releasable or permanent, is also acceptable (e.g.,the décor element 280 can be bonded to the panel 290). Regardless, thecentral portion 292 is configured for releasable coupling with themounting pod 202 commensurate with the above descriptions, and caninclude a post 296 maintaining a magnet (not shown) that is magneticallyattracted to a magnet (not shown) carried by the mounting pod 202.

FIG. 17B illustrates mounting of the décor assembly 32E to the wallsurface 170 via the releasable fastening structure 54 and thecomplementary fastening structure 36. The décor element 280 is assembledto the backer 282. The backer 282/décor element 280 is removably coupledto the mounting pod 202 as described above (e.g., magneticallyattached). The backer 282/décor element 280 can be removed from themounting pod 202 by simply applying a pulling force onto one or moreedges of the décor element 280 sufficient to overcome the magnetattraction between the magnets (not shown) provided with the backer 282and the mounting pod 202. Once again, the force required to separate themagnets is less than the force otherwise necessary to disengage thereleasable fastening structure 54 from the complementary fasteningstructure 36 (and thus from the wall surface 170) as described below.Thus, removing or replacing the backer 282/décor element 280 does notrequire removal of the mounting pod 202 from a desired location alongthe wall surface 170. Further, because the mounting pod 202 has arelatively small footprint (as compared to that of the backer 282), asignificant portion of an open region 298 within the décor element 280is available for receiving and maintaining optional auxiliary items,such as lighting, speakers, other electrical components, etc.

As mentioned above, in some embodiments the décor assemblies of thepresent disclosure can be formatted to receive a photo or other picturedesired by a user. With this in mind, another embodiment décor assembly32F in accordance with principles of the present disclosure is shown inFIG. 18. The décor assembly 32F includes the backer 100, the base 102(or other corresponding components described above) and the releasablefastening structure 54 (hidden in FIG. 18 but shown, for example, inFIG. 1) as described above. Further, a décor element 300 including abacking 302 and a cover 304 is provided. The backing 302 and the cover304 are configured to collectively form a pocket sized to removablyreceive and maintain a photograph 306 (or other item).

The backing or photo blank 302 is a thin, flexible sheet of relativelyrigid material (e.g., plastic sheeting) configured for attachment to thebacker 100 (e.g., permanent adhesive bonding, mechanical fastening,etc.) at the front face 110 thereof. The backing 302 can have a size andshape commensurate with that of the backer 100 or the base 102 in someembodiments. Regardless, the backing 302 optionally forms a dimple orcup 308 at an edge 310 a. The dimple 308 represents a projection out ofthe plane defined by a remainder of the backing 302. As described below,the dimple 308 is sized for receiving a finger or thumb of a user whenloading/unloading the photograph 306. While FIG. 18 illustrates a singledimple 308, in other embodiments, additional dimples can be formed atother edges 310 b-310 d of the backing 302. In yet other embodiments,the dimple 308 can be omitted.

The cover or photo frame front 304 is a thin, relatively stiff sheetforming or defining a border 312 and a window 314. In some embodiments,the cover 304 includes a base layer of transparent or substantiallytransparent material (e.g., acrylic). A second, opaque material isprinted or applied on to the base layer to generate the border 312.Regardless, the window 314 is transparent or substantially transparent,allowing a user to “see” articles (e.g., the photograph 306) disposed“behind” the cover 304, with the border 312 creating the visualappearance of a picture frame. The cover 304 is sized and shaped inaccordance with a size and shape of the backing 302, and can thus defineedges 316 a-316 d the corresponding with the backing edges 310 a-310 d,respectively. However, the cover 304 need not form a counterpart to thedimple 308 in some embodiments; instead the corresponding edge 316 a isstraight or linear.

The cover 304 can be connected to the backing 302 in a variety offashions that generate a pocket. In some embodiments, a hinge-likeengagement between the backing 302 and the cover 304 is established,whereby a portion of the backing 302 can be pivoted away from the cover304 (or vice-versa). For example, in one embodiment, the cover 304 isplaced against the backing 302 with the corresponding edges 310 a-310 dand 316 a-316 d aligned with one another, and a strip of adhesive (notshown) is applied over the bottom edges 310 c, 316 c. With thisarrangement, the adhesive strip maintains connection between the backing302 and the cover 304 while allowing the upper edge 310 a of the backing302 to be maneuvered away from the upper edge 316 a of the cover 304,with the backing 302 pivoting relative to the cover 304 at the connectedbottom edges 310 c, 316 c. Other connection techniques are alsoenvisioned.

Final construction of the décor assembly 32F is shown in FIG. 19A. Thebacking 302 is coupled to the backer 100, and the backer 100 is coupledto the base 102 (e.g., via magnets as described above). For ease ofillustration, the releasable fastening structure 54 (FIG. 1) is omittedfrom the view of FIG. 19A, it being understood that the releasablefastening structure 54 can assume any of the forms described herein,configured to releasably interface with the complementary fasteningstructure 36 (FIG. 1) in securing the décor assembly 32F to a wallsurface (e.g., as in, for example, FIG. 16B). The cover 304 is connectedto the backing 302, for example at the corresponding bottom edges 310 c,316 c. A pocket 318 (referenced generally) is established between thebacking 302 and the cover 304. The pocket 318 can be accessed bypivoting the backing 302 away from the cover 304 (or vice-versa). Inthis regard, the dimple 308 provides a convenient region for insertionof a user's finger to effectuate movement of the backing 302 away fromthe cover 304.

As shown in FIG. 19B, the photograph 306 can be inserted into the pocket318 (referenced generally). Once inserted, the photograph 306 is heldbetween the backing 302 and the cover 304 (e.g., static cling),generally aligned with the window 314 (referenced generally in FIG. 20B,but shown more clearly in FIG. 18). Thus, the photograph 306 is visibleto a viewer of the décor assembly 32F. When desired, the photograph 306can be removed from the pocket 318 and replaced with a new photograph orother article of interest to a user. As a point of reference, the décorelement 300 can be used with any of the other décor assemblies of thepresent disclosure.

The décor element 300 can assume a number of other forms conducive toinsertion and removal of the photograph 306 (or other item) within apocket. For example, an alternative décor element 320 useful with thedécor assembly 32F (or any other of the décor assemblies of the presentdisclosure) is shown in FIG. 20. The décor element 320 is akin to thedécor element 300 (FIG. 18), and includes a backing or photo blank 322and a cover 324. In general terms, the backing 322 and the cover 324combine to form a pocket sized to removably receive and maintain thephotograph 306 (FIG. 18) or other item.

With additional reference to FIG. 21, the backing 322 can be highlysimilar to the backing 302 (FIG. 18), and can have any of the attributesdescribed above (including the optional dimple 308). Further, thebacking 322 forms or defines opposing corner tabs 326,a, 326 b oppositea bottom edge 328. The corner tabs 326 a, 326 b are sized and shaped inaccordance with components of the cover 324 described below.

With reference between FIGS. 20 and 22, the cover or photo frame front324 can be highly similar to the cover 304 (FIG. 18), can have any ofthe attributes described above (including the border 312 and the window314). In addition, the cover 324 includes or has attached theretoopposing connectors 330 a, 330 b opposite a bottom edge 332. Theconnectors 330 a, 330 b can be identical, and are sized and shaped toselectively receive and retain a corresponding one of the corner tabs326 a, 326 b. For example, a segment of each of the connectors 330 a,330 b can project from a rear major face 334 of the cover 324 to definean open channel 336 (identified generally in FIG. 20 for the firstconnector 330 a) into which one of the corner tabs 326 a, 326 b can beinserted and temporarily held.

The cover 324 can be connected to the backing 322 in a variety offashions that generate a pocket as described above. For example, ahinge-like engagement between the backing 322 and the cover 324 isestablished at the corresponding bottom edges 328, 332. Regardless, aspatial location and arrangement of the corner tabs 326 a, 326 brelative to the backing bottom edge 328 correspond with a spatiallocation and arrangement of the connectors 330 a, 330 b relative to thecover bottom edge 332. Upon final assembly in which the bottom edges328, 332 are generally aligned and fixed relative to one another (and apocket is generally defined between the backing 322 and the cover 324),each of the corner tabs 326 a, 326 b can readily be inserted into andheld within the channel 336 (FIG. 20) of the corresponding connector 330a, 330 b as shown in FIG. 23, to hold the backing 322 in place relativeto the cover 324. When a user desires to access the pocket (e.g., toinsert or remove the photograph or other object), the backing 322 can bemanipulated or pivoted away from the cover 324 (e.g., at the dimple 308)as described above, with the corner tabs 326 a, 326 b readily slidingout of engagement with the corresponding connector 330 a, 330 b.

Spacer Assemblies 38

Returning to FIG. 1, the décor assembly 32 can be directly mounted inclose proximity to a wall surface. Optionally, systems and kits of thepresent disclosure include one or more of the spacer assemblies 38mentioned above that create additional depth between any of the décorassemblies described herein and the wall surface. The spacer assembly(or assemblies) 38 can assume a wide variety of forms. In general terms,and with reference to FIG. 24A, one non-limiting example of the spacerassembly 38 includes a spacing structure 350 defining a front majorsurface 352 and a rear major surface 354. The spacing structure 350 canconsist of one, two, or more bodies that may or may not be movablerelative to one another. Regardless, a plurality of first fasteningelements 356 are disposed or formed over the front major surface 352(e.g., the first fastening elements 356 are exposed relative to thefront major surface 352), and a plurality of the second fasteningelements 358 are disposed or formed over the rear major surface 354(e.g., the second fastening elements 358 are exposed relative to therear major surface 354). The first and second fastening elements 356,358 can assume format appropriate for interfacing with components of thereleasable fastening system 34 (FIG. 1) as described below, and can beconnected to the spacing structure 350 in various manners (e.g., thefirst and second fastening elements 356, 358 can each be formed orcarried by a material or composite structure that in turn is adhered orotherwise affixed to the corresponding major surface 352, 354).

During use, the spacer assembly 38 can be interposed between the décorassembly 32 and the complementary fastening structure 36 as shown inFIG. 24B. More particularly, the complementary fastening structure 36 isadhered to the wall surface 170 as described elsewhere. The spacerassembly 38 is mounted to the complementary fastening structure 36 viaengagement between the second fastening elements 358 of the spacerassembly 38 (along the rear major surface 354 of the spacing structure350) and complementary fastening elements 360 of the complementaryfastening structure 36 (e.g., hook-and-loop fastening as describedbelow). Similarly, the décor assembly 32 is mounted to the spacerassembly 38 via engagement between fastening elements 362 of the décorassembly 32 and the first fastening elements 356 of the spacer assembly38 (along the front major surface 352 of the spacing structure 350). Thespacing structure 200 thus maintains the décor assembly 32 away from thewall surface 170, creating visual depth.

With the above general concepts of the spacer assembly 38 in mind, thespacing structure 200 can assume a variety of different forms. Thespacing structure 200 can be or include sliding or rotating plates, atelescoping or accordion arrangement. Further, spacer assemblies 38 ofthe present disclosure can incorporate one or more additional featuresnot necessarily shown, such as lights (e.g., LEDs) and a power source.

Spacer assemblies of the present disclosure can incorporate one or moreadditional features corresponding with features provided with thecorresponding décor assembly. In this regard, the spacer assembly canoptionally be considered a sub-component of the décor assembly. Withthis in mind, another embodiment of a décor assembly 32G in accordancewith principles of the present disclosure and including anotherembodiment spacer assembly or enhancer 400 is shown in FIGS. 25A and25B. The décor assembly 32G can be akin to the décor assembly 32C (FIG.9) described above, for example including the backer 100, the base 102,and the décor element 50 (illustrated generally) as described above.Once again, the décor element 50 can be assembled to the backer 100 in avariety of fashions, for example by adhesive strips 402 (e.g., pressuresensitive adhesive strips) shown in FIG. 25B. The adhesive strips 402can be permanently bonded to the backer 100 and provide a releasableadhesive connection with the décor element 50 (such that the décorelement 50 is replaceable relative to the backer 100), or can bepermanently bonded to the décor element 50 and provide a releasableadhesive connection with the backer 100 (such that the combination décorelement 50/adhesive strips 402 be replaced with another combinationdécor element 50/adhesive strips 402). In other embodiments, the décorelement 50 can be more permanently attached to the backer 100 asdescribed above. Further, FIG. 25B illustrates the releasable fasteningstructure 54 otherwise provided with the base 102.

In addition to the backer 100 and the base 102, the décor assembly 32Gincludes the spacer or spacer assembly 400. In general terms, the spacerassembly 400 is configured to be removably mountable to a wall surface,to removably receive and maintain the backer 100, and to removablyreceive and maintain the base 102. With this construction, a user isprovided with the ability to create multiple different decorativeeffects relative to the wall surface of interest. For example, thespacer assembly 400 can be mounted to the wall surface. The backer100/décor element 50 can then be directly removably mounted to thespacer assembly 400, or the base 102 can be removably mounted to thespacer assembly 400 and the backer 100/décor element 50 removablymounted to the base 102. Or, the spacer assembly 400 need not be used,with the base 102 instead being removably mounted to the wall surface(and the backer 100/décor element 50 removably mounted to the backerbase 102) commensurate with the descriptions above.

With additional reference to FIG. 26, the spacer assembly 400 includes,in some embodiments, a spacer 404, one or more magnets 406, and areleasable fastening structure 408. The spacer 404 forms or defines ahead 410 and a neck 412. The head 410 defines a coupling region 414. Thecoupling region 414 has a cup-like shape, and is open at a front face418 of the spacer 404. A depth, size and shape of the coupling region414 is generated by a bottom panel 420 and a continuous side panel 422(referenced generally), and correspond with the size and shape of theframe 114 of the backer 100 as well as with the size and shape of anexterior of the mounting region 144 of the base 102. Thus, the couplingregion 414 of the spacer 404 is configured to receive the backer frame114 in a nested relationship, and to receive the base mounting region144 in a nested relationship.

The neck 412 projects from the head 410 in a direction opposite thefront face 418. As best reflected by FIG. 26, an outer perimeter size ofthe neck 412 is defined by an outer frame 424, and can be less than thatof the head 410 (with extension of the neck 412 from the head 410establishing an elevated depth for the spacer 404). The neck 412 forms areceptacle 426 configured to maintain the one or more magnets 406. Thereceptacle 426 is formed (and thus the magnet(s) 406 is retained)immediately adjacent the bottom panel 420 and centrally located relativeto a shape of the coupling region 414. This location corresponds with aspatial location of the magnet(s) provided backer 100 and the base 102for reasons made clear below. Finally, the neck 412 can include aninterior frame 426 terminating at a rear face 428. The rear face 428 isconfigured to receive the releasable fastening structure 408. In thisregard, a depth of the interior frame 426 can be slightly less than adepth of the outer frame 424 by a distance corresponding with athickness of the releasable fastening structure 408. When the releasablefastening structure 408 is fixed to the rear face 428, then, a thicknessof the releasable fastening structure 408 will be generally aligned witha trailing end 430 of the outer frame 424 (e.g., upon final assembly,the releasable fastening structure 408 optionally does not projectbeyond the trailing end 430 of the outer frame 424).

The magnet(s) 406 can take any of the forms described above. In theexemplary embodiment shown, the spacer assembly 400 includes two of themagnets 406 to generate an elevated magnetic force or field. A greateror lesser number of magnets are equally acceptable. Regardless, themagnet(s) 406 is arranged relative to the spacer 404 such that themagnetic pole (north or south) of the magnet(s) 406 at or facing thecoupling region 414 is opposite the magnetic pole of the magnet(s)associated with the backer 100 and the base 102 when arranged within thecoupling region 414 and facing the magnet(s) 406 as described below.

The releasable fastening structure 408 can assume any of the formsdescribed elsewhere in the present disclosure for the releasablefastening structure 54. In some embodiments, a size and shape of thereleasable fastening structure 408 corresponds with that of the rearface 428 such that the releasable fastening structure 408 has arelatively large surface area. Regardless, the releasable fasteningstructure 408 can be attached to the rear face 428 in a variety offashions, such as a permanent adhesive bond.

As indicated above, the décor assembly 32G can be mounted to a wallsurface in a number of different fashions. For example, FIG. 27Aillustrates a first arrangement in which the spacer assembly 400 (FIG.25A) is set aside or not used. The base 102 is directly releasablymounted to the wall surface 170 via the complementary fasteningstructure 36 and the releasable fastening structure 54 (e.g., thecomplementary fastening structure 36 is attached to the wall surface170, and the releasable fastening structure 54 (otherwise attached tothe base 102) is releasably connected to the complementary fasteningstructure 36). The backer 100 (to which the décor element 50 isotherwise attached) is releasably mounted to the base 102 as describedabove, including the backer frame 114 nesting within the mounting region144 of the base 102. A robust mounting or engagement is achieved viamagnetic attraction between the magnet 126 provided with the backer 100and the magnet 156 provided with the base 102. In this regard, thebacker magnet 126 is arranged relative to the backer 100 and the basemagnet 156 is arranged relative to the base 102 such that a polarity ofa trailing side magnetic pole 440 of the backer magnet 126 is opposite apolarity of a leading side magnetic pole 442 of the base magnet 156(such that the backer magnet 126 and the base magnet 156 aremagnetically attracted to one another in the backer 100/base 102arrangement of FIG. 27A). In some embodiments, the base magnet 156 is adisk magnet magnetized axially through the opposing faces such that apolarity of a trailing side magnetic pole 444 of the base magnet 156 isopposite that of the leading side magnetic pole 442. In other words, themagnet 156 (or plurality of magnets) as provided with the base 102 isarranged such that the leading and trailing side magnetic poles 442, 444have opposite polarities, with a polarity of the trailing side magneticpole 444 of the base magnet 156 being the same polarity as the trailingside magnetic pole 440 of the backer magnet 126.

Another possible arrangement available with the décor assembly 32G isshown in FIG. 27B. The spacer assembly 400 is directly mounted to thewall surface 170 (e.g., the complementary fastening structure 36 isattached to the wall surface 170, and the releasable fastening structure408 (otherwise attached to the spacer 404) is releasably connected tothe complementary fastening structure 36). The backer 100/décor element50 is releasably mounted to the base 102 as described above. Finally,the base 102 is releasably mounted to the spacer 404. More particularly,the mounting region 144 of the base 102 is received within the couplingregion 414 of the spacer 404, with walls or panels of the base mountingregion 144 nesting with or against the side panel 422 of the spacer 404.As shown, the coupling region 414 is configured to accommodate thereleasable fastening structure 54 (with embodiments in which the base102 carries the releasable fastening structure 54), including thereleasable fastening structure 54 bearing or nesting against the bottompanel 420. A robust mounting or engagement is achieved via magneticattraction between the magnet 156 provided with the base 102 and themagnet(s) 406 provided with the spacer 404. In this regard, the spacermagnet(s) 406 is arranged relative to the spacer 404 such that apolarity of a leading side magnetic pole 446 of the spacer magnet(s) 406is opposite the polarity of the trailing side magnetic pole 444 of thebase magnet 156 (such that the base magnet 156 and the spacer magnet(s)406 are magnetically attracted to one another in the base 102/spacer 404arrangement of FIG. 27B).

Another possible arrangement available with the décor assembly 32G inwhich the base 102 (FIG. 25A) is set aside or not used is shown in FIG.27C. The spacer sub-assembly 400 is releasably mounted to the wallsurface 170 as described above (e.g., the releasable fastening structure408 of the spacer sub-assembly 400 is releasably fastened to thecomplementary fastening structure 36 otherwise applied to the wallsurface 170). The backer 100/décor element 50 is releasably mounted tothe spacer 404 (it being understood that the view of FIG. 27C reflectsthe backer 100 in the process of being directed into complete engagementwith the spacer 404). More particularly, the frame 114 of the backer 100is received within the coupling region 414 of the spacer 404, with wallsor panels of the backer frame 114 nesting with or against the bottompanel 420 and/or the side panel 422 of the spacer 404. A robust mountingor engagement is achieved via magnetic attraction between the magnet 126provided with the backer 100 and the magnet(s) 406 provided with thespacer 404. In this regard, the polarity of the leading side magneticpole 446 of the spacer magnet(s) 406 is opposite the polarity of thetrailing side magnetic pole 440 of the backer magnet 126 (such that thebacker magnet 126 and the spacer magnet(s) 406 are magneticallyattracted to one another in the backer 100/spacer 404 arrangement ofFIG. 27C).

In any of the arrangements of FIGS. 27A-27C, the backer 100/décorelement 50 can be removed by simply applying a pulling force on to oneor more edges of the décor element 50 sufficient to overcome a magnetattraction between the corresponding magnets (e.g., the magnets 126, 156of FIGS. 27A and 27B, or the magnets 126, 406 of FIG. 27C). Further,with arrangements in which both the base 102 and the spacer assembly 400are employed, the base 102 can be removed from the spacer 404 by simplyapplying a pulling force on to one or more edges or the base 102sufficient to overcome a magnetic attraction between the magnets 156,406 (FIG. 27C). Thus, removing or replacing the backer 100/décor element50 does not require removal of the component otherwise directly attachedto the wall surface (e.g., the base 102 in FIG. 27A or the spacerassembly 400 in FIGS. 27B and 27C). A new combination backer 100/décorelement 50 can then be assembled to the base 102 (in the arrangements ofFIGS. 27A and 27B) or to the spacer assembly 400 (in the arrangement ofFIG. 27C). In this regard, the new backer 100/décor element 50 willautomatically self-align relative to the base 102 or the spacer 404 asdescribed elsewhere. Further, the user is provided with the ability toselect a depth of the décor element 50 relative to the wall surface 170(by employing only one of the base 102 or the spacer assembly 400, orboth). The magnetic-base constructions of the décor assembly 32Gbeneficially promote quick, centered engagement of the backer 100relative to the component otherwise mounted to the wall surface 170.

Another embodiment décor assembly 32H is shown in FIGS. 28A and 28B. Thedécor' assembly 32H can be akin to the décor' assembly 32D (FIGS. 15Aand 15B), and includes the décor' element 50, the backer 200, and themounting pod or base 202 as described above. In addition, the décor'assembly 32H includes a spacer assembly or enhancer 470. Alternatively,the enhancer 470 can be considered a component apart from the décor'assembly 32D.

The enhancer 470 forms or includes opposing, leading and trailingsections 472, 474 (referenced generally). The leading section 472 isconfigured to releasably received and maintain the backer centralportion 212, and optionally has a perimeter size and shape identical tothat of the mounting pod 202 as described above. Further, the leadingsection 472 carries a magnet (not shown) arranged to be complementarywith the magnet (not shown) provided with the backer 200. Thus, theleading section 472 receives and maintains the backer 200 as describedabove. The trailing section 474 is configured to be received andmaintained by the mounting pod 202, and optionally has a perimeter sizeand shape identical to that of the backer central portion 212 (FIGS. 15Aand 15B) as described above. Further, the trailing section 474 carries amagnet (not shown) arranged to be complementary with the magnet (notshown) provided with the mounting pod 202. Thus, the mounting pod 202receives and maintains the trailing section 474 as described above. Uponfinal assembly, then, the enhancer 470 is interposed between the backer200 and the mounting pod 202, ensuring that the backer 200 (and thus thedécor element 50 carried thereby) is securely connected to the mountingpod 202 and providing additional depth between the décor element 50 andthe wall surface (not shown).

Releasable Fastening System 34

As evidenced by the above descriptions, components of the décorassemblies of the present disclosure can assume a variety of forms. Inthe following discussions, then, reference to “the décor assembly 32” isinclusive of all décor assembly embodiments of the present disclosure.As shown in FIG. 1 and as mentioned above, the releasable fasteningsystem 34 is a two-part system that includes the releasable fasteningstructure 54 (provided with any embodiment of the décor assembliesdescribed throughout the present disclosure) and the complementaryfastening structures 36. The releasable fastening system 34 can assume avariety of forms, and generally includes a plurality of first fasteningelements 500 provided with the releasable fastening structure 54 (of thedécor assemblies 32) and a plurality of second fastening elements 502provided with the complementary fastening structures 36. The first andsecond fastening elements 500, 502 have complementary structures thatpromote releasable, non-permanent mating there between. For example, thefirst and second fastening elements 500, 502 can mimic hook-and-looptype fastening systems. The first fastening elements 500 can serve ashooks, and the second fastening elements 502 as loops, or vice-versa.

In some embodiments, the first and second fastening elements 500, 502have a low profile, and exhibit a mated holding power characterized by aDynamic Shear Strength of at least 10 lbs in all directions, a CleavageStrength of not more than 6 lbs/inch width, and a Tensile Strength ofnot more than 6.5 lbs/inch as described below. The holding power of thereleasable fastening system 34 is optionally less than that provided byconventional packaged hook-and-loop strips and desirably requires alesser user-applied force to disconnect the fastening elements 500, 502from one another. The reduced holding power features of the presentdisclosure are viable due to the lightweight construction of the décorassemblies 32 as described above.

With embodiments in which the releasable fastening system 34incorporates a two part, hook-and-loop type format, the hook portion(e.g., either the releasable fastening structure 54 or the complementaryfastening structure 36) can assume a format akin to that shown in FIG.29. In particular, a hook fastening structure 510 useful with thepresent disclosure includes a backing 512 and an array ofmushroom-shaped projections or hooks 514. As a point of reference, themushroom-shaped projections or hooks 514 serve as one of the first orsecond fastening elements 500, 502 (FIG. 1). Each of the hooks 514 has amolecularly oriented stem 516, and, at the end of the stem 516 oppositethe backing 512, a generally circular plate-like cap or head 518projecting radially past or overhanging the stem 516. The cap 518optionally defines a generally planar but slightly concave outer surface520, and a generally planar radially extending inner surface 522adjacent and parallel to the major surfaces of the backing 512. In someembodiments, the head 518 has a diameter to thickness ratio of greaterthan 1.5:1 (i.e., the diameter of the head 518 being its average maximumdiameter measured radially of the head 518 and the stem 516, and thethickness of the head 518 being its average maximum thickness measuredbetween its outer and inner surfaces 520, 522). The stem 516 can alsohave a fillet 524 around its base.

Optional features of the hook fastening structure 510 are described, forexample, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,077,870 and 5,845,375, the teachings ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, thehooks 514 are of uniform height, for example from about 0.10 to 1.27 mmin height, alternatively 0.18 to 0.51 mm in height; have a density onthe backing 112 of 60 to 1,550 hooks per square centimeter,alternatively 125 to 690 hooks per square centimeter; have a stemdiameter adjacent the head 518 of from 0.076 to 0.635 mm, alternatively0.127 to 0.305 mm; the head 518 projects radially past the correspondingstem 516 on each side by an average of about 0.013 to 0.254 mm,alternatively by an average of about 0.025 to 0.127 mm; the head 518 hasan average thickness between the outer and inner surfaces 520, 522(measured in a direction parallel to the axis of the stem 516) of fromabout 0.013 to 0.254 mm, alternatively of from about 0.025 to 0.127 mm;and the head 518 has an average head diameter (measured radially of theaxis of the head 518 and the stem 516) to average head thickness ratioof from 1.5:1 to 12:1, alternatively from 2.5:1 to 6:1.

In some embodiments, the hook fastening structure 510 is integrallyformed from a polymer such as polypropylene or a copolymer ofpolypropylene and polyethylene. Virtually any oreintable thermoplasticresin can alternatively be employed, including polyesters such aspoly(ethylene terephthalate), polyamides such as nylon,poly(styrene-acrylonitrile), poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene),polyolefins such as polypropylene, and plasticized polyvinyl chloride.

One exemplary form of the hook fastening structure 510 incorporating themushroom-shaped hooks described above is available from 3M Company ofSt. Paul, Minn. under the trade designation 3M™ CHK02854. Othernon-limiting examples of available hook fastening structures 510 includeproducts available from 3M Company of St. Paul, Minn. under the tradedesignations 3M™ CHK00752 and 3M™ KN3457.

Although the hooks 514 (otherwise useful as one of the first or secondfastening elements 500, 502 (FIG. 1)) have been described as beingmushroom-shaped (and thus non-biased) and having a low profile, othershapes and/or properties are also acceptable. The hooks 514 can becurved or exhibit a directional bias (e.g., J-shaped), can have aplurality of heads or prongs extending from a common stem, etc.

With embodiments in which the releasable fastening system 34 (FIG. 1)incorporates a two part, hook-and-loop type format, the loop portion(e.g., either the releasable fastening structure 54 (FIG. 1) or thecomplementary fastening structure 36 (FIG. 1)) can assume a format akinto that shown in FIG. 30. In particular, a loop fastening structure orloop composite 530 useful with the present disclosure includes anonwoven loop layer 532 and an underlying backing layer 534. In someembodiments, the backing layer 534 is a thermoplastic film with frontand rear surfaces 536, 538. The nonwoven loop layer 532 has anchorportions 540 autogeneously bonded to the backing layer 534 at bondinglocations 542. The bonding locations 542 are along the front surface536, with arcuate portions 544 of the nonwoven loop layer 532 projectingfrom the front surface 536 of the backing layer 534 between the bondinglocations 542. The bonding locations 542 can be continuous rowsextending transversely across the loop composite 530. However, thebonding locations 542 can be arranged in any pattern including, forexample, intermittent lines, hexagonal cells, diamond cells, squarecells, random bond points, patterned bond points, crosshatched lines, orany other regular or irregular geometric pattern.

Optional features of the loop composite 530 are described, for example,in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,256,231, 5,616,394 and 7,303,805, the teachings ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference. Generally, the nonwoven looplayer 532 has a basis weight from 10 to 100 g/m², alternatively 15 to 50g/m². The backing layer 534 generally has a basis weight in the range of10 to 100 g/m², alternatively 20 to 50 g/m², as measured along the frontsurface 536. The total loop composite 530 has a basis weight of from 30to 200 g/m², alternatively 40 to 100 g/m².

The nonwoven loop layer 532 comprises at least in part thermoplasticfibers suitable for bonding, such as at least 10 percent bondablethermoplastic fibers, alternatively from 20 to 100 percent bondablethermoplastic fibers. The arcuate portions 544 have a generally uniformmaximum height from the backing layer 534 of less than 3.0 mm,alternatively from 0 to 1 mm. The distance between the bonded portions540 is from 4 mm to 1000 mm, alternatively 5 mm to 500 mm. The arcuateportions 544 generally comprise 20 to 99 percent of the cross-section ofthe entire loop composite 510, alternatively 50 to 95 percent.

Fibers suitable for forming the nonwoven loop layer 532 can be producedfrom a wide variety of thermoplastic polymers that are known to formfibers. Suitable thermoplastic polymers are selected from polyolefins,polyamides, polyesters, copolymers containing acrylic monomers, andblends and copolymers thereof. Suitable polyolefins includepolyethylene, e.g., linear low density polyethylene, high densitypolyethylene, low density polyethylene and medium density polyethylene;polypropylene, e.g., isotactic polypropylene, syndiotacticpolypropylene, blends thereof and blends of isotactic polypropylene andatactic polypropylene; and polybutylene, e.g., poly(1-butene) andpoly(2-butene); polypentene, e.g., poly-4-methylpentene-1 andpoly(2-pentene); as well as blends and copolymers thereof. Suitablepolyamides include nylon 6, nylon 6/6, nylon 10, nylon 4/6, nylon 10/10,nylon 12, nylon 6/12, nylon 12/12, and hydrophilic polyamide copolymerssuch as copolymers of caprolactam and an alkylene oxide, e.g., ethyleneoxide, and copolymers of hexamethylene adipamide and an alkylene oxide,as well as blends and copolymers thereof. Suitable polyesters includepolyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate,polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate, and blends and copolymersthereof. Acrylic copolymers include ethylene acrylic acid, ethylenemethacrylic acid, ethylene methylacrylate, ethylene ethylacrylate,ethylene butylacrylate and blends thereof.

One exemplary form of the loop fastening structure 530 incorporating thelow profile loops or arcuate portions 544 described above is availablefrom 3M Company of St. Paul, Minn. under the trade designation 3M™KN5059 EBL Light.

Returning to FIG. 1, the low profile, releasable fastening systems 34described above (e.g., the hook fastening structure 510 (FIG. 29) andthe loop fastening structure 530 (FIG. 30)) are but some examples offastening systems envisioned by the present disclosure. In otherembodiments, one or both the components of the two-part fastening system34 need not have a low profile and/or can exhibit an elevated holdingpower. For example, hook and loop materials of the type used in 3M™Scotchmate™ SJ3506 adhesive-backed hook material and 3M™ Scotchmate™SJ3507 adhesive-backed loop material may be used, though may exhibit aCleavage Strength outside of the parameters set forth above, and thusmay not be useful with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Hookand loop fastening systems are but one type of mechanical interlockingconnector system useful as the releasable fastening systems of thepresent disclosure. By mechanical interlocking, it is meant thosefasteners where at least one of the fastening elements undergoes somemacroscopic deformation (e.g., plastic deformation) so that a mechanicalinterface results between the plural elements. Well known examplesinclude hook and loop products commercially available under the tradedesignation “3M Scotchmate” industrial fastener from 3M Company of St.Paul, Minn., and those hook and loop products that are commerciallyavailable under the trade designation “Velcro”. Many other connectorsystems and fasteners are known which comprise elements extending from agenerally planar layer of one material mate with similar or dissimilarcomplementary or cooperating elements extending from another generallyplanar layer. Many different modifications of the interengaging elementsare designed based on the requisite force and manner of separationbetween the cooperating layers of such a releasable fastening system.

In other embodiments, the releasable fastening system 34 comprisessimilar intermeshing first and second connector elements (as thefastening elements 500, 502). The first and second connector elementscan each comprise a replicated (e.g., micro-replicated) surfacestructure, and can be identical. This type of releasable fasteningsystem relies on the frictional characteristics of the materials andstructures making of the connector elements 500, 502 without macroscopicdeformation and interference between the elements. Examples of this typeof intermeshable connector construction (including similar anddissimilar connector elements) are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,875,259to Appeldorn; U.S. Pat. No. 5,360,270 to Appeldorn; U.S. Pat. No.5,201,101 to Rouser et al., the entire disclosures of each of which areincorporated herein by reference. Other mechanical fastening elementscan also be used with the releasable fastening system 34 in accordancewith principles of the present disclosure so long as the system isseparable and optionally reusable. Other examples include, withoutlimitation, snaps (plastic or metal), deformable closure systems such asthose commercially available under the trade designation “Ziplok”closures, deformable fastening systems having pins and sockets, and thelike.

Yet another contemplated format of the releasable fastening system 34 inaccordance with principles of the present disclosure comprises theprovision of magnetic material as the complementary fastening elements500, 502. In some embodiments, the magnetic materials are flexiblemagnetic material stripes, which are conventionally known.

As yet another contemplated embodiment, at least one of the first andsecond fastening elements 500, 502 can comprise a low adhesion materialwhich permits separation and repositioning. The other of the fasteningelements 500, 502 can comprise a material which is easily separable fromand reconnectable to such a low adhesion material. Alternatively, bothcomponents 500, 502 can comprise the same or different low adhesionmaterial if they can be adequately separated from one another.

Examples of the above releasable fastening systems 34, as well as otherreleasable fastening (or connecting) systems envisioned by the presentdisclosure are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,972,141 toBries et al, the entire teachings of which is incorporated herein byreference.

Complementary Fastening Structures 36

The complementary fastening structures 36 provided with the kit orsystem 30 of the present disclosure can be identical, and generallycomprise patches of material each carrying the plurality of secondfastening elements 502. For example, FIG. 31 illustrates a portion ofone of the complementary fastening structures 36 as including a base550, the second fastening elements 502 (drawn generally), and a pressuresensitive adhesive 552. As indicated above, the complementary fasteningstructures 36 serve as one component of the two-part releasablefastening system 34 (FIG. 1), with all of the second fastening elements502 being either a hook or a loop. The base 550 supports the selectedsecond fastening element 502 format. For example, with some embodimentsin which the second fastening elements 502 are low profile loops, thebase 550 and the second fastening elements 502 can assume any of theformats described above with respect to the loop composite 530 of FIG.30 (e.g., the base 550 of FIG. 31 is analogous to the backing layer 534(FIG. 30)). Other constructions for the base 550 (e.g., a film) areequally acceptable.

The pressure sensitive adhesive 552 is applied (e.g., coated) to asurface of the base 550 opposite the second fastening elements 502. Thepressure sensitive adhesive 552 is generally a removable adhesiveselected from an available class of removable adhesives such as acrylic,silicone, rubber/resin or the like. Due to the amount of surface areaused to attach the décor assemblies 32 (FIG. 1) via the releasablefastening system 34 (FIG. 1), the pressure sensitive adhesive 552 neednot have a strong shear holding property. The optional reduced holdingpower of the releasable fastening system 34 described above alsocontributes to the viability of a less aggressive adhesive (e.g.,because the releasable fastening system 34 allows a user to disconnectthe fastening element 500, 502 with a relatively small applied force,the pressure sensitive adhesive 552 will not be subjected to elevatedshear forces during use). For example, the pressure sensitive adhesive552 need only have a shear holding power of about 0.05 lb/inch or more.The adhesion provided by the pressure sensitive adhesive 552 issufficient to avoid peeling from a conventional room wall yet stillallow smooth removal from the wall without damaging the wall. In someembodiments, the selected pressure sensitive adhesive 552 exhibits anadhesion range (as measured on stainless steel) in the range of about5-45 oz/inch.

Acrylic adhesives can be useful as the pressure sensitive adhesive 552due to their low cost and adhesive performance (e.g., ability tosmoothly remove from a wall surface after long periods of time (e.g.,six months of more)). One non-limiting class of acrylic adhesives arethose containing microspheres that enhance removability. In someembodiments, the pressure sensitive adhesive 552 can be an adhesiveavailable under the trade designation T-15780 from 3M Company (3MCommercial Graphics Division) or an adhesive available under the tradedesignation R-22597 from 3M Company (3M™ Removable Poster Tapeadhesive). Alternatively, an adhesive exhibiting elevated holding powercan be employed.

Regardless of a format of the pressure sensitive adhesive 552, in someembodiments the complementary fastening structures 36, as provided inthe kit 30 (and thus prior to use) include a release liner 554 disposedover the pressure sensitive adhesive 552. The release liner 554 canassume any conventional format, and is formed of a material that readilyreleases from the adhesive 552.

The complementary fastening structures 36 can have a number of differentshapes and sizes. In some embodiments, the complementary fasteningstructures 36 are parallelograms (e.g., rectangular or square), having awidth on the order of 1 to 6 inches and a length on the order of 2 to 6inches.

Direct Mounting of a Décor Assembly 32 to a Wall Surface

Returning to FIG. 1, in some embodiments of wall decorating kits of thepresent disclosure, the spacer assembly 38 is not provided.Alternatively, even with kits including one or more spacer assemblies38, a user may decide to not make use of the provided spacer assembly38. In either instance, one or more of the provided décor assemblies 32can be mounted to a wall surface via direct engagement with one (ormore) of the complementary fastening structures 36. For example, FIG.32A schematically illustrates the wall surface 170. Prior to mountingthe décor assembly 32, a user will likely envision a generally desiredlocation for the to-be mounted décor assembly 32 (e.g., the décorassembly 32 of FIG. 1 or any other embodiment décor assembly of thepresent disclosure); this location is generally indicated at 560 in FIG.32A. The complementary fastening structure 36 is then adhered to thewall surface 170 in a region of the desired location 560 via thecorresponding pressure sensitive adhesive 552 (hidden) such that thesecond fastening elements 502 are exposed as shown in FIG. 32B. Withexemplary systems, kits and methods of the present disclosure, the useris not required to precisely measure or carefully locate thecomplementary fastening structure 36 at the desired location 560, nor isthe user required to spatially arrange the complementary fasteningstructure 36 in a particular direction.

The selected décor assembly 32 is then mounted to the complementaryfastening structure 36 by bringing the first fastening elements 500carried by the décor assembly 32 into engagement with the secondfastening elements 502 of the complementary fastening structure 36 asgenerally reflected in FIGS. 32C and 32D. If the user is unhappy withthe location of the décor assembly 32 relative to the wall surface 170and/or a spatial orientation of the décor assembly 32, the décorassembly 32 is simply removed from the complementary fastening structure36 and repositioned as desired. In this regard, the releasable fasteningsystem 34 and the pressure sensitive adhesive 552 (FIG. 31) providedwith the complementary fastening structure 36 are configured in tandemsuch that in response to a tensile force and/or cleave force applied tothe décor assembly 32 (by a user attempting to move the décor assembly32 in a direction away from the wall surface 170), the fasteningelements 500, 502 will disengage from each other while the complementaryfastening structure 36 remains bonded to the wall surface 170. In otherwords, a holding strength established by the adhesive 552 against thewall surface 170 is greater than a cleavage strength and tensilestrength established by the releasable fastening system 34.

FIGS. 32E and 32F illustrate two possible re-positions of the décorassembly 32. With respect to the re-positioning of FIG. 32E, because asubstantial surface area of the décor assembly 32 is covered with thefirst fastening elements 500 (FIG. 1) in some embodiments, the décorassembly 32 can be moved an appreciable distance relative to thecomplementary fastening structure 36 (and thus relative to the wallsurface 170), yet sufficient engagement with the complementary fasteningstructure 36 is achieved. With respect to the re-positioning of FIG.32F, the décor assembly 32 can be spatially rotated to any orientationdesired by the user yet sufficient engagement with the complementaryfastening structure 36 is achieved due to the “un-biased” format of thehook-and-loop fastening system 34 (FIG. 1). As compared to the verylimited repositioning afforded by conventional, packaged hook-and-loopfastening systems (that are inherently limited by the relatively smallsize or surface areas associated with the strips, a directional bias, orboth) in which an object (e.g., picture) can be moved only slightly(e.g., on the order of one inch) relative to the wall and oftentimescannot be rotated more than 15 degrees, wall decorating systems andmethods of the present disclosure allow a user to move the décorassembly 32 a significant distance relative to the complementaryfastening structure 36 (e.g., on the order of at least one-half of thecorresponding dimension of the décor assembly 32) without “exposing” theapplied complementary fastening structure 32 and/or to rotate the décorassembly 32 to any extent desired. Thus, the wall decorating systems andmethods of the present disclosure are highly useful for inexperiencedusers. The user need only roughly estimate a general area forapplication of the complementary fastening structure 36 and thenrepeatedly (and simply) reposition the décor assembly 32 to whateverextent desired relative to the complementary fastening structure 36until the décor assembly 32 is spatially arranged as desired.

In some instances, the repositioning desired by the user may entailmoving the décor assembly 32 an appreciable distance, or the user maydesire to remove the décor assembly 32 entirely. In either case, theuser simply removes the décor assembly 32 from the complementaryfastening structure 36, and then peels the complementary fasteningstructure 36 from the wall surface 170, with the complementary fasteningstructure 36 being configured (e.g., the selected adhesive 552 (FIG.31)) such that the complementary fastening structure 36 is removed fromthe wall surface 170 (e.g., peeling) without damaging the wall surface170. The complementary fastening structure 36 can be re-applied to adifferent region of the wall surface 170, saved for a later time, ordiscarded.

An alternative technique for mounting the décor assembly 32 to the wallsurface 170 entails initially placing one (or more) of the complementaryfastening structures 36 into engagement with the selected décor assembly32. The combined décor assembly 32/complementary fastening structure 36is then mounted to the wall surface 170 in a general region of thedesired location 162 via the pressure sensitive adhesive 552 (FIG. 31).Once again, if the user is unsatisfied with the location or spatialorientation of the décor assembly 32 relative to the wall surface 170,the décor assembly 32 can be removed from the complementary fasteningstructure 36, repositioned as desired, and then re-engaged to thecomplementary fastening structure 36 as described above.

With wall decorating kits and systems of the present disclosure, asignificant surface area of the wall surface 170 can be quickly andeasily decorated and re-decorated as desired. For example, withembodiments in which the kit 30 (FIG. 1) includes décor assemblies 32having visually distinct décor elements 50 (FIG. 2A), a user can mount afirst one of the décor assemblies 32 to the wall surface 170 and ifunhappy with the resulting visual effect, can replace the applied décorassembly 32 with a different décor assembly 32 from the kit 30 andhaving a different décor element 50 via the previously appliedcomplementary fastening structure 36. Similarly, if after a period oftime the user desires to implement a decorating theme differing fromthat provided by a previously-mounted décor assembly 32, that décorassembly 32 can be replaced with a “new” décor assembly 32 using thepreviously-applied complementary fastening structure 36. Similarly, aseries of décor assemblies 32 can be applied to the wall surface 170,repositioned or replaced (individually or entirely) as desired.

Direct Mounting of Other décor Assemblies to a Wall Surface

Direct mounting of the décor assemblies 32B (FIG. 5), 32C (FIG. 9), 32D(FIG. 15A), 32E (FIG. 17A), 32F (FIG. 18), 32G (FIG. 25A), and FIG. 32H(FIG. 28A) (as well as other décor assemblies described below) to thewall surface 170 can be accomplished in a manner akin to the abovedescriptions, and for several embodiments are at least partiallyillustrated above. By way of further explanation, and with respect tothe décor assembly 32B, in one embodiment, the base 78 is mounted to thewall surface 170 at a desired location via the complementary fasteningstructure 36 (FIG. 1) as shown in FIG. 33A (e.g., the complementaryfastening structure 36 may have been previously applied to the wallsurface 170, or the complementary fastening structure 36 can initiallybe connected to the base 78 and then the base 78/complementary fasteningstructure 36 collectively mounted to the wall surface 170). The backer76 is then mounted to the base 78 as reflected in FIG. 33B. As a pointof reference, the backer 76 is referenced generally in FIG. 33B andcarries or forms the décor element 50. The backer 76 is readily guidedinto a centered relationship relative to the base 78 as the feet 84 areinserted into corresponding ones of the cavities 94 as generallyindicated by FIG. 33C. With embodiments in which a foot 84/cavity 94connection is provided adjacent the corners of the backer 76, the backer76 (and thus the décor element 50 carried thereby) is held substantiallyflush against the base 78. Where desired, the base 78 (with or withoutthe backer 76) can be repositioned relative to the wall surface 170 asdescribed above.

A user desiring to replace the so-installed décor element 50 with adifferently-formatted décor element 50 simply disengages the mountedbacker 76 from the base 78, as shown in FIG. 33D. For example, the usercan grasp the backer 76 at opposing edges thereof and pull the backer 76away from the base 78 in a direction substantially perpendicular to thewall surface 170. Alternatively or in addition, the backer 76 can bepivoted relative to the base 78 to effectuate partial or completedisengagement. In other words, the tensile strength and/or cleavestrength established by the selected releasable fastening system 34(FIG. 1) is greater than that collectively established between thebacker 76 and the base 78; additionally, the holding strength or forceestablished between the complementary fastening structure 36 (i.e., theadhesive 552 (FIG. 31)) and the wall surface 170 is greater than thecollective tensile strength and cleavage strength between the backer 76and the base 78. Regardless, the base 78 remains mounted to the wallsurface 170. The backer 76 can be rotated and re-connected to the base78, or a new backer 76 carrying or forming a different décor element 50can be mounted to the base 78 as described above. Upon mounting to thewall surface 170, then, the base 78 serves as a constant landing zone sothat a “new” backer 76 will be identically located and oriented relativeto the wall surface 170 when the backer 76/décor element 50 is replaced.Thus, once a user is satisfied with the spatial location and orientationof the base 78, décor replacement is easily and consistentlyaccomplished.

Holding Strength Relationships

As implicated by the above descriptions, the wall decorating systems,kits and methods of the present disclosure uniquely correlate variousreleasable attachment or mounting properties across multiple componentsor regions of engagement. The complementary fastening structure 36, andnotably the adhesive 552 (FIG. 31) utilized with the complementaryfastening structure 36, is configured to maintain the décor assembly 32(e.g., any embodiment décor assembly of the present disclosure), as wellas any spacer assembly employed with the décor assembly, relative to thewall surface 170, yet not damage the wall surface 170 when removal ofthe complementary fastening structure 36 is desired. Further, thecomplementary fastening structure 36 maintains engagement with the wallsurface 170 in the presence of pulling (or tensile) and cleavage forcesplaced upon the décor assembly 32 (e.g., as a user is attempting toremove the décor assembly 32 from the complementary fastening structure36). The releasable fastening system 34, in turn, is configured tomaintain the décor assembly 32 mounted to the wall surface 170 (via theadhesive mounting provided by the complementary fastening structure 36)in all orientations or directions of the first and second fasteningelements 500, 502 relative to one another. In other words, thereleasable fastening system 34 exhibits sufficient shear strength in allorientations of the panel or panel assembly 52 (FIG. 2A) (or other décorassembly component carrying the first fastening elements 500) relativeto the complementary fastening structure 36 (and thus the secondfastening elements 502 carried thereby). Further, the tensile andcleavage strength embodied by the releasable fastening system 34correlates with the holding (e.g., adhesive) strength of thecomplementary fastening structure 36 as described above (i.e., thefastening elements 500, 502 uncouple in response to an applied tensileand/or cleavage force without debonding of the complementary fasteningstructure 36 from the wall surface 170).

With the above in mind, in some embodiments, the configurations of thereleasable fastening system 34 in tandem with the configurations of thecomplementary fastening structure 36 (and in particular the adhesive 552(FIG. 31)) have the parameters as shown in Tables 1 and 2.

TABLE 1 Properties of Releasable Fastening System Cleavage Strength Notmore than 6 lbs/inch width Tensile Strength Not more than 6.5 lbs/inch²Dynamic Shear Strength At least 10 lbs in all directions, optionally atleast 15 lbs in all directions, optionally at least 25 lbs in alldirections

TABLE 2 Properties of Complementary Fastening Structure Adhered to Wall180 Degree Peel Force At least 10 oz/inch, optionally at least 14oz/inch, optionally at least 18 oz/inch 90 Degree Peel Force At least 12oz/inch, optionally at least 14 oz/inch, optionally at least 20 oz/inchPeel Removal Strength Not more than 30 oz/inch Static Shear Strength Atleast 20,000 minutes, optionally at least 50,000 minutes

Samples of releasable fastening systems and of complementary fasteningstructures in accordance with the present disclosure may be tested foreach of the above parameters in accordance with the test methods below.

Cleavage Strength Test

This test determines the cleavage strength of a mating patch measuring 1inch± 1/16 (25.4 mm±1.6 mm)×2.25 inch± 1/16 (57.2 mm±1.6 mm) to adynamic cleavage force that is attached to a piece of mounting surfacemeasuring 1 inch± 1/16 (25.4 mm±1.6 mm)×2.25 inch± 1/16 (57.2 mm±1.6mm). Two clean, bare aluminum plates are required. For clarificationpurposes, FIGS. 34A and 34B are provided to illustrate the configurationof the aluminum test plates. Both plates shall be 2 inches (illustratedby reference letter M)×3 inches and have a single ¼ inch diameter hole(illustrated by reference letter N) centered along the 2 inch width ofthe plate and located ⅜ inch from centerline (illustrated by referenceletter O) to the plate's edge and a 45 degree bend (illustrated byreference letter P) located 9/16 inch from the end of the plate(illustrated by reference letter Q).

The mating patch is adhered to one aluminum test plate and the mountingsurface sample is adhered to the other aluminum test plate. Both themating patch and surface sample should be oriented with the end evenwith the unbent edge of the respective test plate and centered on the 2inch width of the test late, extending forward towards the bent portion(illustrated by reference letter R). Each plate should be placed in amirrored overlapping configuration such that the mounting surface sampleis overlapped with the mating patch and such that the angled portion ofthe plates are disposed at the same end forming the test specimen. Themating patch and mounting surface sample are engaged by carefullyaligning them on top of one another and using increasing finger pressureto press the mating patch against the mounting surface sample. When themating patch consists of hooks substantially identical to the hooks ofthe mounting surface, an audible click may be heard. For all other hookand loop combinations: 1) First use finger pressure to lightly engagethe samples, then twist the plate with the loop specimen approximately20° in each direction to more fully engage the loops. 2) Set the sampleonto the edge of a flat, rigid surface, allowing the angled end of thebottom plate to overhand and letting the remainder of the sample to layflat. Place the 8 lb. steel bar onto the top plate such that it isbalanced over the engaged portion of the samples. 3) Roll the 4.5 lbweight over a 2 inch span of the steel bar three times in eachdirection. One end of the bar is supported so that the weight of theroller does not wobble the plate and disengage the fasteners.

A hook is slid through the hole in one of the test plates and the hookclamped in the lower, fixed jaw of a tensile tester (such as an INSTRON™Model 5544, manufactured by Instron Corporation, Canton, Mass.) with a2251 b load cell. Enough clearance should be provided so that the testplate can freely rotate about the hook as the test is being conducted.Holding the test specimen approximately horizontal and perpendicular tothe clamping plane of the jaws, another hook is looped through the holein the remaining upper plate. The second hook is clamped in the movablejaw of the tensile tester. Enough pre-tension should be provided to thespecimen to maintain it in a roughly horizontal position when externalsupport is removed. The tensile tester is engaged at a crosshead speedof 12 inches (30.5 cm) per minute. The recorded cleavage strength is themaximum dynamic force applied to the sample when removing the matingpatch from the piece of mounting surface.

Tensile Strength Test

Test room conditions: 73.4±3.6° F. (23±2° C.), 50%±5% R.H. All samplesare allowed to condition in the test room a minimum of 24 hours beforetesting. T-blocks with surface area of 1 square inch are used. Hook andloop test samples are cut to one square inch and applied to tworespective T-blocks via pressure sensitive adhesive. T-blocks with hookand loop attached via adhesive are lightly joined and twisted back andforth approximately 20 degrees in each direction. Blocks are then putunder 1630 grams (3.6 lbs) for a period of five seconds. The respectivehandle portions of joined T-block samples are inserted into the upperand lower jaws of the Instron Model 5544 tensile tester with 2251 b loadcell. Samples are pulled in tensile mode at a speed of 12 inches perminute. The recorded tensile strength is the maximum force applied tothe sample as it is separated in tensile mode.

Dynamic Shear Strength Test

Test method utilized is ASTM D5169-98 (Reapproved 2010), “Standard TestMethod for Shear Strength (Dynamic Method) of Hook and Loop Fasteners,”except that a 101 b roller is substituted for the listed 111 b roller.

Peel Force Tests

Evaluation of peel force and peel removal is performed at 73.4±3.6° F.(23±2° C.) and 50%±5% relative humidity. Test samples are allowed tocondition in the test room a minimum of 24 hours before testing. Inaccordance with the ASTM A-666, test samples are placed on a stainlesssteel panel (Type 302 or 304), with the panel first being cleaned with asolvent appropriate for the adhesive type being tested. Once the testsample is placed on the panel, a hand-operated 4.5 lb (2 kg) roller isrolled over the test sample once in each direction (2 passes total) at arate of approximately 12 inches/min. The test sample is then immediatelytested for peel adhesion using an Imass Model SP-2000 tester with a 251b load cell. The recorded peel force or peel removal strength is theaverage adhesion to the panel during a 5 second test duration.

The 180 Degree Peel Force test is performed at a peel rate of 12inch/minute.

The 90 Degree Peel Force test is performed at a peel rate of 12inch/minute.

The Peel Removal Strength test is performed at a peel angle of 180degrees and at a peel rate of 90 inch/minute.

Static Shear Strength Test

Evaluation of static shear strength is performed at 73.4±3.6° F. (23±2°C.) and 50%±5% relative humidity. Test samples are allowed to conditionin the test room a minimum of 24 hours before testing. The Static ShearStrength is evaluated using glass as the test panel. The test sample isapplied to the glass panel using light thumb pressure, and is thenrolled twice in each direction (four passes total) with a hand-operated,4.5 lb roller. Following a one hour dwell time, the static shearstrength of the test sample on glass is evaluated by hanging a 500 gramweight from the test sample. The recorded Static Shear Strength is thetime in minutes to failure (i.e., the test sample falls from the glasspanel).

Optional Alignment Clips

To assist with user installation of the décor assemblies 32, someembodiments of the present disclosure include an optional alignmentclip. One embodiment alignment clip 600 useful with the décor assembly32B (FIG. 5) is shown in FIG. 35 and includes a head 602, opposingfingers 604 a, 604 b, and an optional spirit level 606. The head 602 issized and shaped in accordance with a geometrical arrangement of thecavities 94 (FIG. 5) provided with the base 78 (FIG. 5) of the décorassembly 32B, with the fingers 604 a, 604 b, in turn, being configuredto be selectively captured within respective ones of the cavities 94. Insome embodiments, a magnetic structure (indicated generally at 608) canbe associated with each of the fingers 604 a, 604 b, and is useful withembodiments of the base 78 that also include a magnetic structure withthe cavities 94 as described above. The spirit level 606 can be of atype known in the art, and provides a visual indication of a spatialarrangement of the head 602 relative to horizontal. The spirit level 606can be provided as part of a finger grip body 610.

FIGS. 36A and 36B illustrate but one possible implementation of thealignment clip 600 in interconnecting two of the bases 78 a, 78 b in auniform or aligned fashion. The first finger 604 a is captured withinthe cavity 94 (referenced generally) of the first base 78 a, and thesecond finger 604 b is captured within the cavity 94 of the second base78 b. Where provided, the magnetic structure 608 (FIG. 35) assists inachieving a magnetic “lock” between the alignment clip 600 and the bases78 a, 78 b. As best shown in FIG. 36A, the alignment clip 600 optionallyincludes opposing posts 620 a, 620 b that are sized and shaped inaccordance with a known thickness of the perimeter wall 95 of the bases78 a, 78 b, serving to capture the walls 95 between the posts 620 a, 620b. Regardless, the alignment clip 600 aligns the bases 78 a, 78 brelative to one another. Further, when the interconnected bases 78 a, 78b are collectively arranged relative to a wall surface, the spirit level606 visually informs the user as to how level the assembly 78 a, 78 b isrelative to horizontal.

The alignment clip 600 can further be useful in assisting a user todesirably align a single base 78 relative to horizontal as reflected byFIG. 36C. As shown, the alignment clip 600 has been mounted to two ofthe cavities 94 (referenced generally). Upon generally locating the base78 relative to a wall surface, the spirit level 600 (referencedgenerally) provides a visual indication as to how closely the shape ofthe base 78 is to being horizontally aligned.

Regardless of how the alignment clip 600 is utilized, once the user issatisfied with a spatial arrangement of the base(s) 78 relative to thewall surface, the base(s) 78 is mounted to the wall surface in thisselected orientation via the corresponding complementary fasteningstructure(s) 36 (FIG. 1) as described above. Once mounted, the alignmentclip 600 can be removed, with the base(s) 78 now being held in theselected orientation by the complementary fastening structure(s) 36.

Optional Lighting

As mentioned above, décor assemblies of the present disclosureoptionally include additional components that augment an overall visualappearance, for example lighting. With this in mind, another embodimentdécor assembly 32I in accordance with principles of the presentdisclosure is shown in FIGS. 37A and 37B, and includes a décor fixture700 and a wall mounting component that can take the form of the mountingpod or base 202 described above (and that carries the releasablefastening structure 54 (not shown)). The décor fixture 700 can assume avariety of forms, and in some embodiments includes a battery poweredlight fixture 702 (referenced generally) and a backer 704 (best seen inFIG. 37B). The backer 704 can be integrally formed with or permanentlyassembled to the light fixture 702, and encloses or covers internalcomponents of the light fixture 702 not otherwise visible in the views(e.g., a rechargeable battery, a lighting element (e.g., LEDs),electrical wiring, on/off switch, etc.). Further, the backer 704includes a central portion 706 that can be highly akin to the backercentral portion 212 (FIGS. 15A and 15B) described above. Thus, thecentral portion 706 is configured to nest within the mounting pod 202,and incorporates various features (e.g., a magnet (not shown))configured to interface with corresponding components of the mountingpod 202 to effectuate releasable mounting of the décor fixture 700 withthe mounting pod 202.

The light fixture 702 can incorporate various electronics thateffectuate user control over an operational state of the lightingelement (not shown). For example, the light fixture 702 can includeremote control features allowing a user to turn the lighting element offor on from a remote location. The light fixture 702 optionally includesa capacitor that is periodically charged to power the lighting element.An on/off switch provided with the light fixture 702 can take variousforms, and can include a “push” on or off configuration.

The décor fixture 700 can be removably mounted to the mounting pod 202in any of the manners described above. In some embodiments, the décorassembly 32I is provided as part of a system that further includes acharging dock 710 as shown (in simplified form) in FIGS. 38A and 38B.The charging dock 710 has a size and shape akin to the mounting pod 202(FIGS. 37A and 37B), and thus is configured to selective receive thelight fixture central portion 706 (FIG. 37B). Further, the charging dock710 is configured for electrical connection to a standard householdelectrical outlet and to re-charge the battery of the décor fixture 700.As is known in the art, then, the charging dock 710 includes requisiteelectrical connectors (not shown) such that when the décor fixture 700is mounted to the charging dock 710 (as in FIG. 37B), the light fixturebattery is re-charged.

In addition to mounting the décor fixture 700 to the mounting pod 202(FIG. 37A) that is otherwise mounted to a wall surface, other displayformats for the light fixture 702 are envisioned by the presentdisclosure. For example, FIG. 39A illustrates the mounting pod 202provided as part of a table light stand 720. The table light stand 720can assume a wide variety of forms that may or may not be directlyimplicated by the views. The mounting pod 202 can be an integrallyformed component of the table light stand 720, or can be separatelyformed and subsequently assembled thereto. Regardless, and as shown inFIGS. 39B and 39C, the décor fixture 700 can be removably coupled to thetable light stand 720 via interface between the light fixture centralportion 706 and the mounting pod 202 as described above.

FIG. 40A illustrates an upright light stand 730 envisioned by thepresent disclosure and including or forming the mounting pod 202. Theupright light stand 730 can assume a variety of forms that may or maynot be directly implicated by the views. The mounting pod 202 can be anintegrally formed component of the upright light stand 730, or can beseparately formed and subsequently assembled thereto. Regardless, and asshown in FIGS. 40B and 40C, the décor fixture 700 can be removablycoupled to the upright light stand 730 via interface between the lightfixture central portion (hidden) and the mounting pod 202 as describedabove.

As evidenced by the above descriptions, embodiments including themounting pod 202 allow a user to implement a number of differentdecorative effects (including lighting) in a room of interest. FIG. 41provides one example of how a room can be decorated in accordance withsome embodiments of the present disclosure. Differing décor elements 50are removably mounted to walls of the room using mounting pods (hidden),as are décor fixtures 700 that otherwise illuminate the room. Furtherillumination is provided by the décor fixtures 700 carried by the tablelight stand 720 and the upright light stand 730.

Wall decorating systems, kits and methods of the present disclosureprovide a marked improvement over previous designs. A flexibleattachment system is provided for mounting multiple decorative elementsto a wall that is easy to apply, allows for easy movement and/orchanging of multiple decorative elements and finally, easy removal fromthe wall with no damage to the wall at the end of its useful life. Insome embodiments, the systems, kits and methods of the presentdisclosure also optionally allow for the decorative elements to bemounted at varying depths from the wall, creating a three-dimensionalvisual effect.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges can be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for decorating a wall surface,comprising: a décor assembly including a décor element opposite areleasable fastening structure, the releasable fastening structureproviding a plurality of first fastening elements; and a peelablecomplementary fastening structure including a peelable pressuresensitive adhesive opposite a plurality of second fastening elements;wherein the first fastening elements are releasably mateable with thesecond fastening elements to define a releasable fastening system; andfurther wherein the system is configured such that a Cleavage Strengthestablished by the adhesive against a wall surface is greater than aCleavage Strength established by the releasable fastening system, and anomni-directional Dynamic Shear Strength of the releasable fasteningsystem is at least 10 lbs; wherein a Cleavage Strength of the releasablefastening system is not more than 6 lbs/inch width; a Tensile Strengthof the releasable fastening system is not more than 6.5 lbs/inch; a 180Degree Peel Force of the complementary fastening structure is at least10 oz/inch; a 90 Degree Peel Force of the complementary fasteningstructure is at least 12 oz/inch; a Peel Removal Strength of thecomplementary fastening structure is not more than 30 oz/inch; and aStatic Shear Strength of the complementary fastening structure is atleast 20,000 minutes.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein theomni-directional Dynamic Shear Strength of the releasable fasteningsystem is at least 15 lbs.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein theomni-directional Dynamic Shear Strength of the releasable fasteningsystem is at least 25 lbs.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the décorassembly further includes: a backer maintaining the décor element; and abase maintaining the releasable fastening structure; wherein the backeris releasably mounted to the base.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein oneof the backer and the base forms at least one foot and the other of thebacker and the base forms at least one cavity configured to receive thefoot.
 6. The system of claim 4, wherein the décor assembly furtherincludes a releasable connector assembly releasably connecting thebacker to the base, and further wherein a Cleavage Strength of thereleasable connector assembly is less than a Cleavage Strength of thereleasable fastening system, and a Tensile Strength of the releasableconnector assembly is less than a Tensile Strength of the releasablefastening system.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the releasableconnector assembly includes a magnet.
 8. The system of claim 7, whereinone of the backer and the base forms at least one foot and the other ofthe backer and the base forms at least one cavity configured to receivethe foot, and further the foot is magnetically attracted to the cavity.9. The system of claim 8, wherein the releasable connector assemblyincludes a first magnet associated with the foot and a second,complementary magnet associated with the cavity.
 10. The system of claim4, wherein a footprint of the backer is less than a footprint of thebase.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the footprint of the backer isless than a footprint of the décor element.
 12. The system of claim 10,wherein the base defines a front side, a rear side and a centralmounting region formed as a depression relative to the front side, andfurther wherein the central mounting region is configured to receive anouter frame of the backer.
 13. The system of claim 4, wherein the décorassembly further includes a spacer assembly, the spacer assemblyconfigured to be releasably mounted to the base.
 14. The system of claim13, wherein the spacer assembly is further configured to be releasablymounted to the backer.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the spacerassembly is further configured to be releasably mounted between thebacker and the base.
 16. The system of claim 13, wherein the spacerassembly includes a spacer and a releasable fastening structure locatedat a rear face of the spacer and providing a plurality of the firstfastening elements.
 17. The system of claim 13, wherein the system isconfigured such that a Cleavage Strength established between the spacerassembly and the backer is less than the Cleavage Strength establishedby the releasable fastening system.
 18. The system of claim 4, whereinthe décor element is separably connected with the backer.
 19. The systemof claim 1, wherein one of the first and second fastening elements ismushroom-shaped, including a stem projecting from a backing and acircular-shaped head at an end of the stem opposite the backing.
 20. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the décor element includes a backing and acover, the backing and the cover combining to form a pocket forselectively receiving a photograph.